author(s)
M Das

abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in the backyard poultry of hilly region of Meghalaya. A total of 674 nos. of fecal samples of poultry were collected from different age groups viz. < 8 weeks (132 nos.), 8-28 weeks (290 nos.) and > 28 weeks (252 nos.) and examined for detection of Eimeria oocysts by flotation techniques. Sporulation of the oocyst was done in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution for identification of the Eimeria species. The overall prevalence of Eimeria sp. in the backyard poultry was 30.12%. Eight species of Eimeria viz. E. tenella (24.63%), E. necatrix (10.84%), E. maxima (0.98%), E. mitis (1.48%), E. brunetti (1.97%), E. praecox (1.48%), E. mivati (0.98%) and E. acervulina (2.96%) were recorded. Mixed infections were recorded in 54.68% birds. Highest and lowest infections was recorded in the month of May (40.29%) and December (15.15%), respectively. Season wise, highest infection recorded during monsoon (33.87%) followed by spring (32.77%), winter (27.78%) and autumn (18.37%). Age wise, 68.18%, 25.86% and 15.08% infections were recorded in < 8, 8-28 and > 28 weeks old birds, respectively.