The objective of the study was to identify the species, gross and histopathological lesions of Eimeria in Japanese quails in Zaria. A total of 400 fresh faecal samples were collected and 10 quail birds were purchased from a quail farm. The faecal samples were processed using simple floatation technique. Oocysts shape indices of sporulated oocysts were determined. The intestines were observed for gross lesions and segments were analyzed using Giemsa stain and Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and then observed microscopically for the developmental stages of the parasite. Four species of Eimeria were identified in the study. Eimeria bateri of shape index of 1.36 conformed to the guidelines used while the other three Eimeria species with shape indices of 1.48, 1.03, and 1.40 were not confirmed. The main gross lesion seen was nonhaemorrhagic ballooning of the caeca. Intestinal scrapping smear revealed a developmental stage of the parasite (merozoites) in the jejunum. Histopathology also revealed a developmental stage (schizont) of the parasite in the caecum and desquamation of the epithelial lining with areas of necrosis. Further study is required using molecular techniques to properly identify the unknown species of Eimeria that were detected in the study. 1. Introduction Quails are most susceptible to various diseases such as coccidiosis which is recognized as a serious parasitic disease problem limiting quail industry [1]. Quail production has become important in Nigeria. Descriptions of Eimeria date from the beginning of the last century, and ever since means for an appropriate characterization and identification of the species have been discussed. Several parameters can be used [2] and new methods have been developed [3–6]. Various species of Eimeria have been isolated from the different species of quails such as E. tsunodai, E. uzura, and E. bateri described from Japanese quails [7] and E. lophortygis and E. okanaganensis described from California quails, while E. crusti and E. oreortygis are described from mountain quail [8], E. conturnicis and E. bateri are described from grey quail [9], E. colini and E. lettyae are described from bob white quail [10], and also E. tahamensis is described from Arabian quail [11]. The natural infection of Eimeria in quails is characterized as subclinical because of the mild and nonspecific clinical signs. Nevertheless, coccidiosis is considered as an important disease because the endogenous stages of the parasites and a high number of oocysts in feces are associated with intestinal lesions [7]. Therefore, the objective of
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