Treatment And Control of Coccidia in Sheep
by
Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Definition
Coccidia are tiny internal parasites (Eimeria spp) that live in the cells
of the sheep's intestines. The tiny oocysts containing the infective stages
are passed in the feces and are picked up by other sheep through contaminated
feed and water. The number of parasites that invade the intestinal tract
determine the severity of disease that results in the condition called coccidiosis.
Symptoms
Coccidia are considered internal parasites but are resistant and non-responsive
to dewormers used for internal parasites in sheep. Practically all sheep
tolerate a low level of coccidia with no adverse effects. A high level of
coccidia, especially in lambs, damages the intestinal lining resulting in
improper or reduced absorption of nutrients and weight loss. This damage
can also result in bloody and dark diarrhea, causing dehydration and death.
In some cases, very little diarrhea, if any, has been observed. Stress induced
from changes in weather or sudden changes in feeding, such as from pasture
to dry lot, will often result in a severe coccidia outbreak.
Causes
Coccidiosis is generally seen in intensified sheep management operations.
Sheep can be managed profitably in an intensive operation by practicing
proper sanitation and sufficient space allotment for ewes and lambs. If
coccidia are suspect in your flock, collect some fresh fecal samples and
take them to your veterinarian for analysis or call for advice.
Treatment
Outbreaks of coccidiosis are usually treated with sulfa drugs and amprolium.
These drugs must be prescribed by your veterinarian. The treatment for the
outbreak of the disease should not be confused with the drugs used for control.
Bovatec (lasalocid ) has been approved for sheep as a control of coccidia
infestation. However, the veterinarian can prescribe drugs that are not
approved for use in sheep by the Food and Drug Administration, such as monensin
(Rumensin) and decoquinate (Deccox) if you have a good client/patient relationship.
These drugs are used as a preventative, not a treatment.
Bovatec and monensin have been used to slightly improve feed efficiency
in lambs.
TREATMENT OF COCCIDIOSIS
(Check labels for withdrawal information)
Drug Dosage Precaution
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Generic Trade Name
Sulfa Drugs (dimidine, gua- 1 1/2 gr./lb of body wt. Treat 3-5 days
nidine, methazine, quinoxa- Provide plenty of
line drinking water
Amprolium (Corid) 20-30 mg/lb of body Long term use
wt. causes thiamine
(B1 ) deficiency
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PREVENTION OF COCCIDIOSIS
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Drug Dosage Precaution
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Generic Trade Name
Lasalocid (Bovatec) 30 gms/ton of feed
(approved for
sheep)
Monensin (Rumensin) 10-15 gins/ton of feed Fairly toxic
(not approved)
Decoquinate (Deccox) 1.0 mg/lb of body wt. per
(not approved) . day
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Summary
Sheep and especially lambs may be infected with coccidia that may be confused
with internal parasites. Contact your local veterinarian if your sheep have
symptoms of coccidia that may cause sudden death.
Lincoln University at Jefferson City, University of Missouri, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture cooperating. Rufus Jones, 1890 Administrator,
Distributed in furtherance of Food and Agricultural Act, 1977 PL 95-113
Section 1444 and 1445, as amended by PL 97-98 December 22, 1981.
Publications are distributed without regard to race, color, national origin,
sex, age, religion, or handicap.
900 Moreau Drive, Jefferson City Mo 65101 (314) 681-5554
EP314