Clinico-pathological studies in experimental Eimeria infection in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Asiya Magray^a*, A. R. Khan^a & Majidah Rasheed^a
aUniversity of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006, India

Received 16th December, 2008 ; Revised 21st February, 2009

Abstract : Clinico-pathological study of experimental Eimeria species infection (coccidiosis) viz E.magna, E.intestinalis. E.irresidua, E.media and E.perforans in rabbits was conducted with dose inocula of 1 lakh sporulated oocysts. These rabbits were divided into two groups each consisting of 12 rabbits. Clinical symptoms included dehydration, anorexia, depression. dullness, rough coat, decreased appetite, weight loss and diarrhoea. Two rabbits of infected untreated group died of severe disease on 27^th & 28^th  day post infection. The intestine of dead animals showed elevated lesions in the middle half portion with congestion and destruction of villar epithelium.