Coccidiosis in Sheep

Abstract

This book focuses on the genera Eimeria, Cyclospora and Cystisospora, which are apicomplexan parasites, known as conventional coccidia, and cause coccidiosis. Coccidiosis is one of the most important diseases of livestock, particularly poultry, but occurs also in many other farm and companion animals, as well as in humans. Coccidiosis has a huge economic impact, and represents a constant threat to the food supply. The extensive use of coccidiostats, especially against Eimeria in poultry, has led to widespread drug resistance, and this problem needs to be solved in the years to come, as there are many challenges ahead in order to ensure food security, but also food safety, for an ever-growing population on this planet. A plethora of studies on different aspects of coccidian biology, phylogeny, pathogenesis and treatment and prevention strategies have been carried out and published during the last 20-30 years, and it has become difficult to keep track and maintain an overview of the research developments in the field. Thus, this book summarizes in a concise and very structured manner the current knowledge on coccidiosis caused by conventional coccidia, and as such fills an important gap.

Here, Dr. Dubey recruited scientists of high international reputation from all over the world to contribute chapters on the basic biology of coccidia, phylogeny, host immunity, vaccination, genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, and on the current state of anti-coccidial drugs. These seven chapters provide an excellent and up-to-date overview on the covered subjects. The following chapters are dedicated to coccidiosis in the different major livestock species, including cattle, water buffaloes, pigs, sheep, goats, and most important, poultry. However, also other host species are covered, including camelids, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, horse and other equids, dogs, cats, and also humans. In these chapters the reader will encounter concise information on the different species of coccidia found in the different host species, the life cycle and morphological features, data on prevalence, on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and treatment options.