Background and Aim: Coccidiosis is an enteric infection caused by a protozoon (Eimeria tenella). Coccidiosis is known to have a negative impact on the economy. Coccidiosis is controlled using anticoccidial drugs, antibiotics, and vaccines. Various coccidial vaccines differ in application technique, attenuation method, and the species used. Coccidial vaccines can be spray or gel-based (Form). This study aimed to compare the effect of application and approaches between spray and gel vaccines for coccidiosis.

Materials and Methods: Specific pathogen-free chicks were vaccinated with different vaccines. Fecal samples were taken on 21 days post-vaccination for vaccine take, and then a challenge test was done on day 21.

Results: Post-vaccination oocyst counts in gel vaccinated groups were more than the spray vaccinated ones as it recorded (1400 and 2200) oocyst/g, but the gel vaccines resulted in lower post vaccinal titer which was (10000 and 12500) oocyst/g. Results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction test post-vaccination were (23.72, 20.29) cycle threshold (CT) for spray vaccines and (18.75, 17.62) CT for gel vaccinated group. By challenging all the experimental groups, the microscopic and macroscopic lesion of gel vaccines resulted in score 1, while spray vaccines groups recorded score 2 and the control non-vaccinated challenged chickens showed score 4. The non-vaccinated/non-challenged group recorded a score of zero.

Conclusion: These results can help poultry producers to decide which delivery system will provide the best results for their production system. The gel vaccines showed a better protection rate and lower shedding, which means more protection of birds and public health.

Keywords: coccidia, Eimeria tenella, anticoccidial drugs and vaccinations, spray.