Method of protecting against coccidiosis

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of protecting a poultry bird against coccidiosis. The method comprises: a) administering to the bird a live vaccine containing sufficient number of Eimeria sp. to develop an immunological response in the animal; b) maintaining the animal free from chemotherapeutic agents effective against the Eimeria sp. for a period of time corresponding to about one life cycle or infectious cycle of the Eimeria sp.; and c) thereafter administering to the animal a therapeutic amount of a narasin ionophore for a period of time corresponding to at least one life cycle or infectious cycle of the Eimeria sp.

1 . A method of protecting poultry against a coccidiosis caused by  Eimeria  sp., the method comprising: 
 a) administering to the animal a live vaccine containing sufficient  Eimeria  sp. organisms to develop an immunological response in the animal;    b) maintaining the animal free from chemotherapeutic agents effective against  Eimeria  sp. for a period of time corresponding to about one life cycle or infectious cycle of the  Eimeria  sp.; and    c) thereafter administering to the animal a therapeutic amount of narasin ionophore for a period of time corresponding to at least one life cycle or infectious cycle of the  Eimeria  sp.    
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the animal is maintained free from chemotherapeutic agents effective against the  Eimeria  sp. for a period of time corresponding to about two to five days beyond one life cycle or infectious cycle of the  Eimeria  sp.  
   
   
       3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the narasin ionophore is administered to the animal for a period of time corresponding to about 1.5 to 2.5 life cycles or infectious cycles of the  Eimeria  sp.