The use of vaccines for chicken coccidiosis control

Abstract

The genus Eimeria belonging to the Subphylum Apicomplexa, Family Eimeriidae, have seven recognized species infecting chickens: E.acervulina, E. maxima, E.tenella, E.brunetti, E.necatrix, E.mitis and E.praecox. It’s an obligate intracellular parasite that causes disease by the destruction of intestinal epithelial cells in the replication process. The indiscriminate use of anticoccidial drugs has resulted in the selection of drug-resistant strains, which reduce de effectiveness of various anticoccidial drugs used currently in control of the disease. As in many countries legislation prohibits the use of thes products continuously until slaughter withdrawal periods have been required, which increases the risk of infection at the end of the growing season. Thus, vaccines are essential as a tool for controlling these parasites. There are several types of vaccines, but only attenuated live vaccines are marketed for the control of avian coccidiosis, with the exception of recombinant vaccine CoxAbic®. Nevertheless, its use is still mild compared to the use of anticoccidial drugs, possibly due to its lower cost and greater effectiveness. Thus, it is important that control of avian coccidiosis is extremely complex, and that further studies should be encouraged to develop effective methods, including the use of vaccines for the production of chicken meat free of medication.