Species: Bovine, canine, feline, avian, porcine

Specimen: Faeces

Container: Pottle

Collection protocol: Directly from rectum or freshly passed sample from clean surface

Special handling/shipping requirements: Samples may be refrigerated prior to transport

General information about the disease:

Coccidia of domestic animals are relatively host and organ specific. Those associated with enteric infection belong to the Eimeria and Isospora genera. Enteric coccidiosis is typically a disease of intensively managed, young animals. The economic cost of coccidiosis in the food animal species is considerable, manifested in mortality, morbidity, subclinical disease, and the cost of management. They are mainly related to malabsorption induced by villus atrophy, anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, and dehydration due to exudative enteritis and colitis. General information about when this test is indicated: Investigation of enteric disease, ill thrift, and production loss in production, companion, and captive wildlife species and to aid prevention and treatment decisions. Oocysts are reported using a semiquantitative system (negative to ++++).

Comparison with other related tests: Coccidia oocyst counts are included in the calf scour 4-8 week panel and the dog and cat diarrhoea panel