Definition

1. Noun:
   • A parasitic disease: Coccidiosis is a disease caused by infection with coccidia, which are microscopic, single-celled parasites.
   • Primarily affects animals: It is most commonly associated with livestock (like cattle, sheep, poultry) and other animals, causing intestinal distress.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian diagnosed the lambs with coccidiosis.
  • Coccidiosis is a major concern in poultry farming.
  • Outbreaks of coccidiosis can lead to significant economic losses in agriculture.

Advanced Usage

• "Subclinical coccidiosis": An infection that does not show obvious symptoms but can still affect an animal's growth and health.
  • The herd's poor weight gain was attributed to subclinical coccidiosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Coccidia (n, plural): The group of parasitic protozoa that cause coccidiosis.
  • The life cycle of coccidia is complex.
• Coccidiostat (n): A drug or agent used to prevent coccidiosis.
  • This feed contains a coccidiostat to protect the chicks.

Synonyms

• Parasitic enteritis: Inflammation of the intestines caused by parasites (this is a more general medical term that can include coccidiosis).

Notes on Meaning

• While the reference mentions veterinary medicine, coccidiosis can also, though less commonly, refer to similar infections in other animals, including sometimes humans. However, its primary and most frequent use is in veterinary and agricultural contexts.

Noun

1. (veterinary medicine) infestation with coccidia