Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 4/29/14
 
A new self-guided DVD and smart phone-accessible website are closing the link between academia, industry, government and poultry producers to help combat coccidiosis, a costly poultry disease.

Caused by the Eimeria parasite, coccidiosis is a common poultry disease that affects gut health and performance. It is present wherever poultry are raised, with an annual cost globally of about $2.1 billion.
In addition to information about the parasite, including its life cycle, characteristics and interaction with other poultry diseases, the project outlines methods of control, including biosecurity, live vaccines and anticoccidial drugs, bringing practical on-farm management methods together with scientific research.

Producers can access information targeted to their type of operation.
Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s (OMAF) Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) program, the Poultry Industry Council and members of the poultry industry, the resource brings information together in a user-friendly format. The KTT program was set up by OMAF and MRA to promote exchange and presentation of knowledge between academia and industry with input from many collaborators and groups.

Bridging the gap between scientific research and agricultural producers is one of the most important steps in helping producers manage this common poultry disease, Kayla Price, a University of Guelph doctoral student researching coccidiosis management and control. The Eimeria parasite is hardy, she added. “You can’t easily eradicate it, but you can look at options to manage it.”

The project aims to foster proactive coccidiosis control management. The problem of coccidiosis is due largely to a lack of understanding of the parasite, which leads to confusion in how to deal with it and properly manage the disease.

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To go to the website, click here.