This week, we’re talking coccidiosis. While it might seem out of season, as housing approaches we are running out of time to stop the disease at source.
Coccidia oocysts are extremely resilient and very difficult to eradicate in the environment. These are what the animal ingests to initiate an infection and, given the parasite’s rate of multiplication, are typically numerous in animal environments.
We can greatly reduce burdens in animal housing by carrying out proper disinfection. Be warned, it is not something that can be done in a weekend as there are four steps involved.
- Remove all faecal matter from the shed.
- Power wash thoroughly, hitting every surface that the animal has access to.
- Leave to dry before disinfecting. This is very important as a wet shed will increase dilution factor when we begin disinfecting and this variable is crucial in ensuring a proper eradication. Picking the right disinfectant is important too. We’re looking for an oocyst-killing formulation, that’ll remove Eimeria. Most don’t, so be very weary. Things like lime will have no efficacy against oocysts.
- Before bedding, ensure the shed is completely dry again. This is particularly important at this point in the year as animals could be housed abruptly with inclement weather.
This week, we’re talking coccidiosis. While it might seem out of season, as housing approaches we are running out of time to stop the disease at source.
Coccidia oocycts are extremely resilient and very difficult to eradicate in the environment. These are what the animal ingests to initiate an infection and, given the parasite’s rate of multiplication, are typically numerous in animal environments.
We can greatly reduce burdens in animal housing by carrying out proper disinfection. Be warned, it is not something that can be done in a weekend as there are four steps involved.
- Remove all faecal matter from the shed.
- Power wash thoroughly, hitting every surface that the animal has access to.
- Leave to dry before disinfecting. This is very important as a wet shed will increase dilution factor when we begin disinfecting and this variable is crucial in ensuring a proper eradication. Picking the right disinfectant is important too. We’re looking for an oocyst-killing formulation, that’ll remove Eimeria. Most don’t, so be very weary. Things like lime will have no efficacy against oocysts.
- Before bedding, ensure the shed is completely dry again. This is particularly important at this point in the year as animals could be housed abruptly with inclement weather.