Prevalence of rabbit hepatic coccidiosis in north west of Iran

Hepatic coccidiosis is considered as a major problem in rabbits which mortality rate may go high as a result ofunhygienic maintenance with overcrowding. this study was aimed to determine abundance and pathologicchanges of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits of northwestern iran. a total of 320 rabbits (110 new zealand, 110angora, and 100 native) in different sex and age groups were randomly selected from rabbitories innorthwestern iran. the rabbits were kept either individually in cages or in groups in floor pens. theyreproduced for research and instraction. fecal samples were collected from cages and floor pens and subjectedto flotation techniques. the collected liver tissues fixed in 10% buffered formal saline, sectioned, and stainedwith hematoxyline and eosin (h&e). results indicated that infection rate with e. stiedae was 26.87%(86/320). the prevalence of e. stiedae was significantly higher in weanling rabbits (5-8 months) (9.69%,31/320) than other age groups. there was no significant difference in the prevalence of e. stiedae betweenmale and female rabbits. at necropsy, numerous and scattered white nodules about 0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameterwere observed on the liver surface. histopathological lesions included hyperplasia of the bile duct epitheliumwith different developmental stages of coccidian agents. granuloma tissues encircle the bile duct withinfiltration of inflammatory cells. it was concluded that hepatic coccidiosis was common in iranian rabbits ofthe region and with proper management and strict hygine and sanitation can effectively control the rate ofinfection in the rabbitories.