Molecular Identification of Eimeria tenella in Migratory Birds, Quails, and Coturnix japonica in Balochistan, Pakistan

Introduction: Coccidiosis is a global health issue in the poultry industry. It causes serious economic losses and huge treatment costs to farmers. The current study was conducted to detect Eimeria tenella in migratory Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in Balochistan. Methods: In this study, a total of 300 quail fecal samples were used. Quails from Zhob, Sibi, and Quetta districts were captured using nets in September 2017 and 2018. Oocysts were detected by direct microscopy in a saline solution (0.85%), which were further identified by morphology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting mitochondrial CO-1 gene. Results: Of 300 fecal samples, 218 (72.6%) were positive for oocysts. The length, width, and shape index of oocysts of E. tenella were 21.7±1.29 µm, 19.5±1.9 µm, and 1.27±0.12, respectively. The oocysts of E. tenella were further confirmed by PCR targeting mitochondrial CO-1 gene (723 bp). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the migratory Japanese quails may be infested with E. tenella, and these birds may play roles in the transmission of this protozoan to domestic poultry