Technology Description: ARS researchers have identified and selected an immunovariant strain of Eimeria maxima (E. maxima) for vaccine use. E. maxima, a tiny one-celled protozoan parasite that infects the bird’s middle intestine, causes an intestinal disease called coccidiosis. Coccidiosis causes the U.S. poultry industry more than $400 million in economic losses from feed costs and reduced weight gain in infected birds. This strain of E. maxima, when combined with commercial vaccines, provides improved protection against field strains of E. maxima found in poultry production facilities. Current vaccines approved for use in the U.S. contain only one strain of  E. maxima that may not be effective against all E. maxima strains found in commercial poultry operations, resulting in reduced disease protection. Reference: S.N. 09/838,382, "Production of an Immunovariant Strain of Eimeria Maxima Contributes to Strain Cross-Protection with Other Eimeria Maximas," which was filed April 20, 2001. Inventor: Harry D. Danforth USDA, ARS Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Area Research Center Beltsville, MD 20705 (301) 504-6421 / Fax: (301) 504-6001 danforthh@ba.ars.usda.gov