Epidemiological insights into the prevalence of, and risk factors for, Eimeria species in Australian dairy goats.

Eimeria infection is highly endemic in Australian dairy goats; implement age-targeted and management-based control strategies.

This cross-sectional epidemiological study examined Eimeria infection prevalence and risk factors in 1,188 Australian dairy goat samples from 71 herds over 9 months. The adjusted animal-level prevalence was 71% with 97% herd-level prevalence, demonstrating high endemicity. Kids exhibited the highest prevalence (86%) and oocyst shedding (median 240 OPG). Nine Eimeria species were identified, with E. arloingi, E. ninakohlyakimovae, and E. alijevi most prevalent. Significant epidemiological variations occurred across climatic zones, with winter rainfall zones showing highest prevalence (75%) and oocyst shedding. Multivariable analysis identified critical risk factors: age, sex, climatic zone, stocking rate, bedding type, and bedding replacement frequency. The study emphasizes that caprine coccidiosis is highly endemic with strong herd clustering. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted control strategies addressing young animals and implementing improved management practices, particularly enhanced husbandry and environmental contamination reduction to minimize production losses in dairy goat operations.

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