ASSESSMENT OF COCCIDIOSIS AMONG POULTRY BIRDS SLAUGHTERED AT SELECTED MARKETS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

The study determined the prevalence and severity of Eimeria infection among poultry birds slaughtered in selected markets within Bauchi Metropolis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using fecal samples from 453 poultry birds (broilers, local chickens, and guinea fowl) collected from Muda Lawal, Railway, and Yelwa markets. Samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques to detect Eimeria oocysts. Infection prevalence was analyzed using chi-square tests, while severity was categorized into mild (<20,000 OPG), moderate (20,000–50,000 OPG), and severe (>50,000 OPG) based on oocyst per gram (OPG) counts. The overall prevalence of coccidiosis was 55.0%, with significant differences (P< 0.05) across markets Muda-Lawal recorded the highest prevalence (61.1%), followed by Railway (53.3%) and Yelwa (48.0%). Prevalence varied significantly (p<0.001) by species, it was highest in broilers (62.5%), then local chickens (55.0%), and lowest in guinea fowl (41.9%). Sex-related differences were not significant (p > 0.05).  Age significantly influenced infection in broilers and local chickens (P<0.05), with growers more affected than adults. Severity assessment showed that mild and moderate infections predominated (44.2% and 36.9%), while severe infections accounted for 18.9%. Mean OPG was highest in broilers (49,800 ± 20,300), followed by local chickens (46,200 ± 18,900), and lowest in guinea fowl (31,700 ± 12,600). Sex-based OPG values were slightly higher in males across all species. In conclusion, coccidiosis is prevalent among poultry sold in Bauchi Metropolis, with significant variation by market location, species, and age. Broilers and younger birds are at higher risk and exhibit heavier oocyst shedding. Targeted control measures, improved market hygiene, regular monitoring, and species-specific preventive strategies are recommended to reduce infection and associated economic losses.