Abstract

Coccidiosis is a major disease of economic importance in Nigeria, requiring adequate knowledge and understanding of the disease patterns and control to minimise the negative effects on poultry production. In this study semi-structured questionnaire was administered randomly to 166 poultry farmers in Oyo and Ogun States to determine their knowledge of coccidiosis and the prophylactic measures adopted. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics, Chi-square and student’s t test at α=0.05.
Ninety About 56.4% of the respondents were >50 years with 84.4% having tertiary education and mostly (93.4%) were married. About 50.6% of the poultry farms had 1000-5000 flock size with 59% using open drinkers resulting in regular water spills on litter and 61.4% respondents experienced caked litter in farms. Majority (95.6%) respondents have the awareness and knowledge of coccidiosis. Coccidiosis outbreak had occurred on 88% of the respondent farms mostly in chicks > 8 weeks and during rainy season in 61% of the recorded cases. Only 15.1% respondents had a good knowledge of coccidiosis while 84.9% had a fair knowledge obtained from veterinary doctors. About 70% of the respondents use coccidiosis vaccines. However, 29.5% of the respondents reported outbreaks in spite of preventive measures. Factors associated with significantly good knowledge of coccidiosis and adoption of prevention include practice of deep litter and cage system, , sources of information and religious practice.
Veterinary extension education of poultry farmers on effective coccidiosis prevention will enhance adoption and diffusion of coccidiosis vaccination to reduce anticoccidial resistance and residues in poultry products.

Key words: Coccidiosis; Poultry; Extension