In chickens, coccidiosis is a protozoan disease caused by various species of the genus Eimeria. The life cycle of the parasite is complex, involves both sexual and asexual reproductive phases, and is characterised by tremendous parasite multiplication in the cells lining the intestines.

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General Management Considerations
For Paracox™ Live Coccidial Vaccines

Paracox is a suspension of live attenuated coccidial oocysts. It is designed to stimulate an immune response in the bird by introducing a controlled number of organisms of desired Eimeria species.

Chickens are susceptible to coccidiosis at any age. They are invariably infected to some degree within the first two weeks after placement. This early exposure generally results in immunity, even if no obvious signs of disease are noted. With repeated, low level exposure, persistent immunity can be maintained. The immunity is species specific. That is, immunity to one Eimeria species will not provide protection against other species.

Effective live coccidial vaccination programs depend on an initial controlled exposure to live sporulated oocysts. Following the initial controlled exposure, the coccidia must achieve two or more subsequent life cycles in the bird for full immunity to develop. Although the initial dose and route of administration is controlled, the subsequent cycling of the vaccine is heavily influenced by poultry house management conditions as well as the general health of birds and their immune status.

Vaccines

There are two lines of coccidiosis vaccines manufactured by Schering-Plough Animal Health, which are Paracox™ and Coccivac®.

Each line has been carefully developed to effectively control coccidiosis in regions where the vaccines are marketed. The vaccines in both lines contain all the necessary species of Eimeria needed for drug-free, residue-free and resistance-free control of coccidiosis.

Paracox Line
Paracox™ is designed for broiler breeders and layer pullets, which are grown to an older age. It contains seven species of Eimeria, including two antigenically different strains of E. maxima. Paracox™-5 contains the four different species of Eimeria, including two strains of E. maxima, that most commonly affect broilers.

Coccivac Line
Coccivac®-B was developed for broilers and contains all four species of Eimeria that most often affect broiler flocks, while Coccivac®-D contains the eight Eimeria species most often affecting broiler breeders and layers. Coccivac®-T contains the four Eimeria species needed to protect against coccidiosis in turkeys.