Prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species and Cryptosporidium infection in indigenous fowls of Behbahan, south west Iran.

Coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the poultry industry, which is caused by the Eimeria and Cryptosporidic species. The main goal of current study was to investigate the prevalence of different Eimeria species in indigenous poultry of Behbahan, Khuzestan province, south west Iran. Fecal samples were collected randomly in all of the 100 native birds from 11 villages in this region. Number of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) was determined by the standard McMaster technique. Identification of oocysts was done on sporulation in 2.5 % potassium dichromate solution. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20% for Eimeria sp. Infection Contains 15%; E. acervulina (80%), E. maxima (60%), E. brunetti (53.3%), E. tenella (33.3%) and E. mitis (26.6%) with mixed infections of E. maxima +E. acervulina (40%), E. tenella+E. brunetti +E. maxima (46.6%), and E. brunetti +E. maxima + E. tenella (2.2%) +E. mitis (13.2%) were determined. In order to determine the rate of Cryptosporidium infection, the samples were first stabilized using 70% methanol and stained under the Modified Zeheil Neelsen method. They were examined using an optical microscope. From the obtained spreads, 8 samples (8%) have been recognized as positive. This is the first report of coccidiosis in native birds in this region.This diseases may be an important factors in the economic losses of the native and broiler chickens in this region.Further additional research and design control strategies for improving management farms are necessary.