Eimeria Species Infecting Broiler Chickens in Commercial Farms in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species is one of the most economically devastating parasitic diseases in poultry farming, causing substantial production losses in Nigeria's rapidly expanding commercial broiler sector. This survey documented the prevalence and species composition of Eimeria infections in broiler chickens from commercial farms in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Caecal and intestinal scrapings from 300 birds sampled at the point of slaughter were examined using direct smear and McMaster flotation techniques. Oocysts were sporulated and identified morphologically to species level. An overall Eimeria prevalence of 68.3 percent was recorded. Eimeria tenella was the most prevalent species at 41.7 percent, followed by E. acervulina and E. maxima. Mixed species infections were present in 34.7 percent of positive birds. Farms with poor litter management and inadequate rotation of anticoccidial drugs had the highest infection intensities. The study recommends improved biosecurity protocols, rational anticoccidial drug rotation schedules, and integration of live vaccine programmes to manage coccidiosis in commercial broiler operations across Rivers State. Keywords: Eimeria, coccidiosis, broiler chickens, commercial farms, Rivers State.