author(s)
TA Vijayalingam, NV Rajesh and S Ilavarasan

abstract
A Kairali chicken farm with the total strength of 300 birds of 7 weeks old at Peikkarumbu near Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, was reported to have continuous mortality. The affected stock was said to be suffered with dullness, inanition, reduction in bodily condition, diarrhoeic stools mixed with muco sanguineous material and death. The stock was maintained under deep litter system. On field investigation, the affected birds showed ruffled feathers, dullness, anorexia and blood stained whitish to brownish diarrhoea with soiling of feathers around the vent. Post mortem examination revealed blanched skin and muscles, ballooning of intestine with salt and pepper appearance of the serosa. The intestinal lumen contained scanty, partially digested content mixed with muco sanguineous viscid material. The mucosa was found to be eroded. The microscopic examination of the intestinal scrapings confirmed the presence of Eimeria necatrix. The flock was treated with amprolium hydrochloride (Amprolium Soluble Powder 20%) in drinking water for a period of 5 days and was advised to change the bedding material. Although the affected birds recovered from the condition, reccurrence was noticed due to the unremoval of the contaminated bedding materials. Then, the similar treatment with amprolium hydrochloride (20%) for a continuous period of 7 days with supportive herbal therapy with inclusion of turmeric, cumin powder and Aloe vera followed by strict hygienic measures with replacement of new fresh bedding material was found to be highly effective and the birds recovered completely. The farmer was advised to give chopped onion and garlic in the regular diet.