Efficacy of Salinomycin, Robenidine and Decoquinate Against Infection with Eimeria Species Field Isolate in A Densely Populated Broiler Farm in Thailand

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis is caused by intracellular protozoan parasites in the genus Eimeria. It has a significant economic impact on the poultry industry and is highly prevalent in chicken producing countries worldwide. Current control measurements including good animal husbandry, chemoprophylaxis, and vaccination cannot effectively control the disease. It is well understood that parasites repeatedly exposed to the same anticoccidial drug is a major cause of resistance. Therefore, it is critical to monitor parasite response to anticoccidial drugs in different field settings. The aim of this experiment was to investigate responses of a local field isolate of Eimeria species to commonly used anticoccidial drugs which were salinomycin, robenidine and decoquinate at different concentrations and their combinations. All groups of chickens receiving in-feed medication showed significant reduction in average lesion scores compared to the infected unmedicated control group (p<0.05). The group of chickens receiving robenidine at 33 ppm showed the highest reduction in lesion score in this investigation. Our findings serve as a key step forward for poultry industries as well as drug suppliers to adjust and forecast anticoccidial use strategies.