Vetech Laboratories Inc., Guelph, ON

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by Eimeria parasites that are commonly observed in the intestinal tract of mammals and birds. In chickens and turkeys, infection by this parasite is costly to both the producer (higher feed conversion ratios, depressed growth and increased flock mortality) and the industry, causing billions of dollars in losses worldwide. While environmental management and anticoccidials (ionophores and chemicals added to the feed) have been the most common forms of prevention in the past, vaccination is quickly becoming a popular and successful option.