Coccidiosis is the most costly parasitic disease in poultry globally. Understanding its welfare implications and control strategies protects both commercial and backyard flocks.
Coccidiosis causes significant suffering in affected birds through intestinal damage, hemorrhage, and malabsorption. Birds with severe coccidiosis show depression, huddling, and profuse diarrhea with blood indicating intestinal hemorrhage. The rapid progression from mild clinical signs to severe disease and mortality requires prompt recognition and treatment. Subclinical coccidiosis without overt disease causes growth suppression and welfare compromise that is less visible but affects welfare across the production cycle. The preventable nature of most outbreaks through litter management and appropriate prophylaxis makes coccidiosis a significant preventable welfare problem.