Vol. 13, Issue 2 (2024)

Author(s):
Savleen Kour, Abha Tikoo, Rajesh Agrawal and Anish Yadav

Abstract:
Eimeriosis is caused by infestation of epithelial lining of alimentary canal by Eimeria sp. and is considered as important causative agent of diarrhoea in calves of young age. Epidemiological data helps in estimation of important risk factors that are responsible for pathogen transmission, viability, its virulence and immune interaction. In case of Eimeria infection, farm management plays important role in oocysts load and its intensity of infection. Therefore our study was designed to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection in young calves (<6 months age) in organized and unorganized dairy farms in and around Jammu region during period of January 2022- December 2023. Faecal collection and processing with saturated salt solution was done. The prevalence of eimeriosis in organized farms was significantly (p<0.05) low (30%) as compared to unorganized farms (63.3%). The Odds ratio observed at 95% confidence interval (CI) between organized vs unorganized farms is 4.03. Our study concludes higher percentage of positive cases of Eimeria in calves from unorganized areas, suggesting role of better farm management practices in prevention of eimeriosis.