The Prevalence of Eimeria Species in Goats in Van

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine Eimeria infection in goats in nine different districts in Van province in Turkey. Faecal samples (approximately 3-5 g) were obtained from the rectums of 242 goats. The samples were examined by Sheather's sugar flotation technique and determined microscopically for the presence of oocysts. Eimeria species were identified following sporulation of faeces in a thin layer of 2.5% potassium dichromate for one or two weeks at 25 degreesC. All samples were later examined for identification of Eimeria species. Nine different species of Eimeria oocysts were detected in 73.6% of the goats. These species were E. arloingi (40.9%), E christensini (34.3%), E. alijevi (32.6%), E. pallida (31.0%), E. hirci (30.2%), E. ninakohliyakimovae (29.8%), E. jolchijevi (26.0%), E. apsheronica (5.8%), and E. punctata (0.8%). Mixed infections were widespread (66.9%). Clinical eimeriosis was not observed.