Epidemiological Characterization Of Avian Coccidiosis In Peasant Family Farming Systems From Chile And Argentina.

TOMAZIC, MARIELA L; CANTIN, BRUNO; JULIETE, BRANTE; NIKITA, ENCISO; PISON MARTINEZ, ML; BRITEZ, JESICA DAIANA; BARBANO, PABLO; CANET, ZULMA; ALEGRÍA-MORÁN, RAÚL; RAMIREZ-TOLOSA, GALA; RODRIGUEZ, ANABEL E.

Simposio; 17th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics; 2024

Intestinal parasitosis caused by a protozoan of the genus Eimeria is the leading cause of the decline in productiveyields worldwide. This study aimed to characterize the avian productive systems of peasant family farming (PFF)from Chile and Argentina, and potential associations with coccidiosis (positivity-rate and risk factors). A total of113 PFF facilities were sampled (49 from Argentina and 64 from Chile), collecting stool and/or bed samples,applying an epidemiological survey, and registering georeference and other management elements of PFF.Samples from Argentina (IPVET, INTA-CONICET) and Chile (FAVET-UdeChile) were processed at specializedparasitology laboratories. Oocysts of coccidia were detected by coproparasitic flotation technique and quantified,oocysts per gram (opg), by McMaster chamber observation. A multivariable logistic regression was then used forrisk factors determination, considering a cut-off value of > 1,000 opg for relevant-for-production (?relevant-forproduction? and ?non-relevant-for-production?), by its direct economic impact and potential dissemination. Thegeneral positivity rate was 21.24% (24/113), for Chile 15.63% (10/64), and for Argentina 28.57% (14/49),showing no statistically significant difference between the two countries (p=0.151). A low awareness of aviancoccidiosis is observed in PFF from Chile (3/64), compared to Argentina (35/49). A variable commercial use ofavian by-products was observed in the study. The regression model shows that environmental enrichment acts asa protective factor (OR:0.049; 95% CI: 0.008-0.311; p=0.001), the model presents a good fit-to-data (p=0.238),and a pseudo-R2 of 0.321. Awareness of avian coccidiosis is very low, increasing the possibility of not applyingcorrect animal preventive measures, animal management, welfare, and education have shown to be important tothe presence of economically important opg levels, potentially related to stress effects and susceptibility in PFFavian facilities. It is necessary to reinforce and educate on animal welfare and biosecurity to decrease the positivityto avian coccidiosis