Prevalence studies can adequately assist in the design of prophylaxis strategies for disease control. Here, the prevalence of Eimeria species in chickens was investigated in Anhui province, China, from July to September 2016. A total of 171 samples were tested by microscopic examination and molecular methods. The prevalence of coccidiosis in Anhui province was found to be 87.75% (150/171). Eimeria tenella was the most prevalent species (80.67%, 121/150), and Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria mitis, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria brunetti and Eimeria acervulina were 68% (102/150), 55.33% (83/150), 54.67% (82/150), 44.67% (67/150) and 2.67% (4/150), respectively. Eimeria praecox was not detected at all. The most common combinations are E. tenella, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. brunetti and E. mitis (26.67%, 40/150), followed by E. tenella, E. maxima and E. necatrix (19.33%, 29/150). Eimeria necatrix exhibited the highest participation in multiple infections. The results of the present study suggested that Eimeria infection is mixed, severe and widespread in chickens, Therefore, integrated strategies should be performed to prevent and control coccidial infection in chickens in Anhui province.
Keywords: Domestic chickens; Eimeria species; Identification; Molecular methods; Prevalence.