The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: a major challenge for the poultry sector

Rahmani, A; Laloui, HA; Kara, R; Dems, MA; Cherb, N; Klikha, A; Blake, DP

Abstract

Coccidiosis, caused by parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a significant economic burden to the poultry industry. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the financial losses associated with Eimeria infection in chickens in Algeria, relying on data provided by key stakeholders in the Algerian poultry industry to assess sub-clinical as well as clinical impact. We employed the updated 2020 version of a model established to estimate the cost of coccidiosis in chickens, taking into consideration specific cultural and technical aspects of poultry farming in Algeria. The findings predict economic losses due to coccidiosis in chickens of approximately 86.7 pound million in Algeria for the year 2022, representing 0.30 pound per chicken raised. The majority of the cost was attributed to morbidity (74.9%), emphasizing the substantial economic impact of reduced productivity including decreased bodyweight gain and increased feed conversion ratio. Costs associated with control measures made up 20.5% of the total calculated cost, with 4.6% of the cost related to mortality. These figures provide a clear indication of the scope and economic impact of Eimeria infection of chickens in Algeria, illustrating the impact of practices common across North Africa. They underscore the ongoing requirement for effective preventive and control measures to reduce these financial losses while improving productivity and welfare, ensuring the economic sustainability of the Algerian poultry industry.

Citation

Rahmani, A., Laloui, H., Kara, R., Dems, M., Cherb, N., Klikha, A., & Blake, D. (2024). The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: a major challenge for the poultry sector. Avian Pathology, https://doi.org/10.1080/03079457.2024.2336091

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 10, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 11, 2025
• Print ISSN: 0307-9457
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03079457.2024.2336091
• Keywords: Eimeria; coccidiosis; chickens; economic losses; cost; Algeria; DRUG-RESISTANCE; RECENT ADVANCEMENTS; ECONOMIC-IMPACT; IMMUNOBIOLOGY; VACCINATION; PREVALENCE; INFECTION; VACCINES; FARMS