Efficacy of toltrazuril against experimental infections with Eimeria labbeana and E. columbarum in racing pigeons.

The efficacy of toltrazuril against heavy experimental Eimeria labbeana and E. columbarum infections in racing pigeons was investigated. Pigeons were treated with toltrazuril at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight before, during, and after the pre-patent period. In pigeons treated during pre-patency (1-5 days postinoculation [PI]), a 99.9% reduction in oocyst output was observed at day 7 PI. Treatment during patency (6-7 days PI) resulted in an interruption of oocyst shedding within 3 to 4 days. Pigeons treated with toltrazuril up to 14 days before the experimental infection showed on average a reduction of more than 97% in the number of oocysts in individual fecal samples. Finally, at reinfection, the immune response of pigeons previously treated during pre-patency was not altered compared with the response of infected unmedicated controls.