Diclazuril Effective Against Coccidiosis

Spanish researchers divided 101 kids, 2-4 weeks of age, naturally-infected with Eimeria spp. into five treatment groups. Different doses (1 and 2 mg/kg) of diclazuril (Vecoxin®) were given at either 3 weeks of age (single treatment) or 3 and 5 weeks of age (double treatment). Fecal oocyst shedding and body weights were monitored at two week intervals for six weeks.

Treatments of goat kids with diclazuril were effective against the three most predominant Eimeria species recorded in the study and also against other minor species found in fecal examinations. Even a single dose of 1 mg/kg resulted in an increase of growth rates in treated animals. Double and multiple dose treatments could be the recommendation for environments heavily contaminated with Eimeria oocysts. The severity of clinical signs (e.g. diarrhea) was lessened in treated animals during the course of infection compared to that of non-treated or control kids. The precise timing of treatment appears crucial in order to prevent severe clinical coccidiosis.

Source: Parasitology Research, June 2012