Coccidiosis is a realistic problem and one of the most important diseases of poultry worldwide. It is caused by a protozoan parasite known as Eimeria that invades the cells of the poultry intestine.

There are more than 1,200 egg farms across Canada, housing some 25 million laying hens that produce more than nine billion eggs per year. Most of the egg production is for home consumption, and given the social trends to consume food where animals go through a good welfare is important.