Anticoccidialia

Anticoccidialia, commonly referred to as anticoccidials, are a group of chemotherapeutic agents used to prevent and treat coccidiosis, a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract caused by Eimeria species in poultry and other livestock. They are typically added to feed or drinking water to suppress the replication of oocysts and reduce intestinal damage, morbidity, and mortality. Anticoccidials fall into two broad classes: ionophores and synthetic coccidiostats.

Ionophore antibiotics such as monensin, salinomycin, lasalocid, narasin, maduramycin, and semduramicin disrupt ionic gradients in parasite membranes, inhibiting growth. They are effective but can be toxic to non-target species, particularly horses. Synthetic coccidiostats include compounds like amprolium, diclazuril, toltrazuril, decoquinate, and clopidol, which act by interfering with nutrient uptake, metabolism, or replication in the parasite.

Use and regulation: In poultry and other birds, anticoccidials are common in feed formulations and are used as preventive programs or during outbreaks. Dosing schedules vary by species, age, and production system; withdrawal times are required before animals enter the food chain in many jurisdictions.

Resistance and management: Prolonged use of a single compound can lead to resistance in Eimeria populations. Control programs often rotate between classes, use combination products, and emphasize sanitation and biosecurity to sustain effectiveness.

Safety and notes: Ionophores are not approved for use in horses and some other species. Residue and withdrawal requirements apply to meat and eggs in many regions. The term encompasses both feed additives and therapeutic preparations used to combat coccidiosis.