Intestinal coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of small ruminants worldwide. The disease is more frequently in kids and lambs aged 4 to 6 months and in animals of any age in intensive production systems. Stressors such as weather, feed ratio changes, transport and mixing animals from different groups have a major impact on the coccidiosis. To review the situation in Slovenia, we conducted an online survey with a short questionnaire of an optional type. The link to the survey questionnaire was sent to 210 breeders via an e-mail address. Altogether, 66 breeders answered the questions. 60% of breeders have already heard of this disease and 40% of breeders have recognized it in their flocks. We found out that small ruminant breeders poorly recognize and do not treat the coccidiosis, even was recognised in the past that the infestation in Slovenia is more than 80%. The incidence of coccidiosis in Europe is very common. There were 85% and more positive excrement samples with the presence of coccidia. More and more breeders are aware on the importance of this parasitosis, but most of them do not know how to act. Pharmaceutical preparations are available, and there are also alternatives, e.g. adding charcoal in the feed, pine bark, oregano oil, cloves, pumpkin seed cakes etc.
|
