EIMERIOSIS IN DAIRY-CATTLE FARMS IN MOROGORO MUNICIPALITY OF TANZANIA

Coccidial oocysts were detected in 35% of 445 cattle in four medium-sc ale and 20 small-scale dairy farms in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. The highest prevalence (56%) was observed in animals aged between 5 a nd 18 months, whereas lower prevalences were observed in calves (29%) aged between 12 days and 4 months and adults (30%). No coccidial oocys ts were detected in calves less than 12 days old. The oocyst output wa s high in calves, followed by weaners; adults had the lowest oocyst ou tput. The number of oocysts per gram of faeces was significantly highe r (P < 0.001) in diarrhoeic animals than in non-diarrhoeic animals, an d more so in young calves. Eimeria species infecting the animals inclu ded Eimeria bovis (68%) and Eimeria zuernii (57%), Eimeria ellipsoidal is (25%), Eimeria cylindrica (23%), Eimeria auburnensis (22%), Eimeria alabnmensis (12%) and Eimeria subspherica (5%). Mixed infections invo lving two or three species were common. Our findings indicate that eim eriosis is common in cattle in Morogoro municipality. Published by Els evier Science B.V.