Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 1, 2025
Pages 29-36
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0131
Diagnosis and Management of Coccidiosis in a Clarias gariepinus Catfish Farm: A Case Report
Adeyemo, Bolade Thomas*1,3; Egwu, Godwin. Onyemaechi2; Sadiq, Hauwa Ohunene3; Agunbiade-Olu, Sarah1; Tanimomo, Babatunde Kayode1; Ezekwesili, Augustina Oguchukwu1
1Department of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, PMB 117 Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, PMB 117 Abuja, Nigeria.
3Aquatic Medicine Specialty, Medicine Faculty, College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, Zaria Study Center, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
4Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, PMB 117 Abuja, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Coccidia are spore-forming obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that cause disease in several animal species, including fishes. In this report, we present the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management of a case of coccidiosis in a Clarias gariepinus catfish farm with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Following the report of an increasing mortality on the farm, fish showing nondescript signs were sampled, and subjected to parasitological evaluation. Dissection of the small intestines revealed small white to grayish raised nodules in portions of the anterior intestines, the mucosa of the small intestine also showed congestion, hemorrhage, and presence of brownish blood-mixed contents in the intestinal lumen. Histological examination of sections of the small intestines showed the presence of cystic structures full of spores (sporocyst of about 580 μm in size) developed in portions of the anterior intestine of the affected fishes. These were identified as Coccidian sp. because of their similar morphology to those of the parasites in the Coccidian group. Based on history, clinical symptoms, gross, feacal and histopathological findings, the present case was diagnosed as coccidiosis. Treatment was instituted with amprolium delivered through ‘top-dressing’ of the feed at 0.05% for 5 days. Effectiveness of the instituted treatment could not be ascertained, as the owner sold of the entire flock to cut further losses on the farm.
Keywords: Fish, Clarias gariepinus, Coccidiosis, Coccidia parasite, Catfish, Oocyst.