Abstract :
Coccidiosis (Eimeriosis sensu stricto) of small ruminants is a protozoan infection caused
by several species of the genus Eimeria which develop in the small and the large intestine,
affect young animals in particular and are specific for each host. Eimeria ovinoidalis in sheep
and Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae in goats are the most pathogenic species. Coccidiosis is of
great economic importance because of the losses due to clinical disease (diarrhoea) but also
because of subclinical infections (poor weight gain in particular). Oocyst excretion is at the
maximum around the weaning period and shows a steady decline afterwards due to a strong
immunity. Risk factors for high excretion include breeding intensification, high stocking
rates in premises, poor hygiene and all causes of stress (physiological, nutritional, etc.).
Reliable diagnosis include combined clinical, epidemiological, necropsic and coproscopical
approaches. Control is mainly based on hygienic measures between lambing/kidding and
weaning periods and on anticoccidial compounds use.
