Revolutionising poultry diagnostics with cutting-edge molecular technology
Coccidiosis remains one of the most significant health and economic challenges facing the poultry industry worldwide. In South Africa, where poultry production plays a vital role in food security and the economy, this parasitic disease continues to cause substantial losses through reduced growth rates, poor feed conversion, increased mortality, and secondary infections such as Clostridium perfringens.
Traditionally, diagnosing coccidiosis has relied on methods such as lesion scoring, microscopy, and oocyst counts. While valuable, these approaches have limitations, particularly when it comes to differentiating between Eimeria species or detecting early or mixed infections. This is critical because different Eimeria species cause different symptoms, production challenges, and economic consequences, requiring targeted management and treatment strategies.
Why species-level detection matters
Coccidiosis in poultry is caused by multiple Eimeria species, each with unique effects:
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E. tenella – causes severe caecal coccidiosis with high mortality.
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E. maxima – associated with poor growth and feed conversion.
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E. acervulina – leads to chronic enteritis and depressed performance.
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E. brunetti, E. necatrix, E. mitis, and E. praecox – contribute to varying levels of intestinal damage and productivity loss.
Mixed infections are common, making precise identification essential for monitoring vaccine efficacy, managing anticoccidial rotation, and tracking resistance development. Without species-specific data, producers risk applying incorrect interventions, wasting resources, and missing early signs of emerging problems.
A first for South Africa: Molecular Eimeria testing
Envirocare Laboratory is proud to announce the launch of South Africa’s first locally available molecular diagnostic service for Eimeria species detection and quantification infecting poultry.
This molecular assay allows for simultaneous detection and enumeration of seven major Eimeria species in a single test:
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E. acervulina
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E. maxima
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E. tenella
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E. necatrix
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E. brunetti
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E. mitis
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E. praecox
By offering this test locally, Envirocare eliminates the need for producers and veterinarians to send samples overseas, significantly reducing turnaround times and providing actionable results within 48–72 hours of sample receipt.
Key benefits of molecular testing
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High accuracy and sensitivity – detects even low-level or mixed infections.
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Species differentiation – essential for vaccine monitoring and targeted treatment strategies.
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Resistance monitoring – tracks shifts in parasite populations to inform control programs.
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Rapid turnaround – enables timely decision-making and intervention.
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Comprehensive reporting – detailed, actionable insights for veterinarians and producers.
Sample types and logistics
To make testing as accessible as possible, Envirocare supports multiple sample formats:
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FTA cards
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Fresh faecal samples
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Intestinal scrapings
Handling guidelines:
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Samples should be kept cold (around 4°C) during transport.
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No special transport medium is required.
Logistical solutions:
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Farm pickups available in certain areas via Envirocare’s permanent drivers.
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Courier services welcome.
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Drop-off or offset points can be arranged.
Driving innovation in poultry health
This launch represents a major milestone for South Africa’s poultry sector, empowering veterinarians, integrators, and producers with data-driven insights to improve flock health, optimise production, and safeguard long-term profitability.
By bridging the gap between traditional diagnostic methods and advanced molecular technologies, Envirocare is setting a new standard for precision in poultry health management.
Get started with molecular Eimeria detection
Producers, veterinarians, and poultry health professionals can now submit samples for testing and take the first step toward smarter, more targeted coccidiosis control.
Contact us today:
Envirocare Veterinary Laboratory
Tel: +27 18 294 4283
Email: info@envirocarelab.co.za
www.envirocarelab.co.za
References
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Blake, D. P., Knox, J., Dehaeck, B., Huntington, B., Rathinam, T., Ravipati, V., … & Tomley, F. M. (2020). Re-calculating the cost of coccidiosis in chickens. Veterinary Research, 51(115), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-020-00837-2
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Clark, E. L., Macdonald, S. E., Thenmozhi, V., Krishna, S. B., & Blake, D. P. (2017). Cryptic Eimeria genotypes are common across the southern but not northern hemisphere. International Journal for Parasitology, 47(14), 1059-1066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.008
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Chapman, H. D. (2014). Milestones in avian coccidiosis research: A review. Poultry Science, 93(3), 501-511. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03634
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Kawahara, F., Taira, K., Nagai, S., Onaga, H., Onuma, M., & Nunoya, T. (2008). Detection of five avian Eimeria species by species-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Avian Diseases, 52(1), 652-656. https://doi.org/10.1637/8162-081407-Reg
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Conway, D. P., & McKenzie, M. E. (2007). Poultry Coccidiosis: Diagnostic and Testing Procedures (3rd ed.). Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing.
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Williams, R. B. (2005). Intercurrent coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis of chickens: Rational, integrated disease management by maintenance of gut integrity. Avian Pathology, 34(3), 159-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/03079450500112195
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Fatoba, A. J., & Adeleke, M. A. (2018). Diagnosis and control of chicken coccidiosis: A recent update. Journal of Parasitology Research, 2018, Article ID 5649057. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5649057
