Antony van Leeuwenhoek was the first to discover…

Eimeria stiedae is a species of Eimeria (protozoal parasites) that causes hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. It was observed for the first time by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek in 1674. The liver is the seat of infection with the Eimeria stiedae parasite in rabbits.

Coccidiosis is a common and worldwide protozoal disease. Rabbits that recover frequently become carriers. There are 2 anatomic forms: hepatic, caused by Eimeria stiedae, and intestinal, caused by E magna, E irresidua, E media, E perforans, E flavescens, E intestinalis, or other Eimeria spp. Transmission of both the hepatic and intestinal forms is by ingestion of the sporulated oocysts, usually in contaminated feed or water.

Severity of the disease depends on the number of oocysts ingested. Young rabbits are most susceptible.