Abstract

NOGUEZ-ESTRADA, Juan et al. Identification and quantification of Eimeria spp. in rabbits from Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo. Abanico vet [online]. 2025, vol.16, e2024-22.  Epub July 04, 2025. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2025.3.

The objective of this study was to identify and quantify species of the genus Eimeria present in naturally infected rabbits in the production units of Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo State. Fecal samples were collected from 10 rabbit production units (RPUs) comprising 320 rabbits aged between 30 and 60 days (fattening period). Identification of Eimeria spp. species was carried out using the flotation technique, with criteria of measurement and morphological comparison. Oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) were determined using the McMaster technique. Parasite load data were normalized (√𝑥+0.5) and a principal mean analysis was performed in Minitab® software. E. stiedae (hepatic coccidiosis) was identified in 8 RPUs (19-100 %) and intestinal coccidiosis by E. irresidua in 5 RPUs (17-63.6 %), E. exigua in 4 (23.5-100 %), additionally, E. media (14.7-47.6 %) and E. coecicola (14.7-19 %) were identified in three RPUs, E. intestinalis (24-28 %), E. magna (11.7-24 %), and E. perforans (4.5-18 %) in two RPUs, and E. piriformis (9 %) in one RPU. The parasite load was above average in RPUs 9 (241450 ± 33555) and 8 (56817 ± 3907), only in production unit 10 the amount of OPG (25433 ± 2776) was found within decision limits, the highest amount of OPG was identified in RPUs with poor facility design, as well as those where feeding and supply of good quality water are limited. Eimeria spp. is present in all RPUs of Valley of Mezquital, with an OPG quantity that puts the health of the animals at risk.

Keywords : rabbits; Eimeria spp. coccidiosis; OPG.

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