Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Coccidiosis in Chickens Submitted for Necropsy in Kabul City

Mohammad Sangary; Ahmad Jan Abi; Mohammad Naiem Alizada

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.572

Authors

Mohammad Sangary Kabul University, Paraclinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kabul, Afghanistan
Ahmad Jan Abi Kabul University, Paraclinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kabul, Afghanistan
Mohammad Naiem Alizada Kabul University, Paraclinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Kabul, Afghanistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6806-552X (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.572

Keywords:

Avian coccidiosis, Prevalence, Pathological changes, Oocyst observation, Risk factors

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis is one of the most economically important parasitic diseases affecting the poultry industry worldwide. It causes substantial production losses through mortality, poor growth performance, and increased treatment costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidiosis in chickens submitted for necropsy at the Basir Sattar and Waris Nasseri poultry disease diagnostic center in Kabul City, Afghanistan. We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to July 2026 on chickens presented from 225 poultry farms to poultry disease diagnostic centers in Kabul City. We collected data on potential risk factors using a structured questionnaire. Necropsy was performed to identify gross intestinal lesions, and fecal samples were examined microscopically using the flotation technique to detect Eimeria oocysts. Microscopic examination confirmed in affected birds, with an overall with anis prevalcoccidiosis ence of 9.3% ( Infection was significantly associated with production type, previous infection history, and farmer experience (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant associations were observed with sex, carcass disposal method, water source, or use of antibiotics and anticoccidials on the farms. Gross lesions, including hemorrhage, necrosis, thickening of the intestinal wall, and ballooning, were predominantly observed in the ceca and small intestine. Coccidiosis remains an important cause of mortality in Kabul city poultry farms. Future studies should investigate apparently healthy chickens to determine the prevalence of subclinical coccidiosis.

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