THE PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. IN PRE- AND POST- WEANED CALVES

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a gastrointestinal parasite that affects multiple species of animals and humans. Its prevalence is of particular interest to the veterinary community as cattle are commonly infected, leading to lower production of milk and meat, causing monetary losses to cattle ranchers, and a subsequent increase in food prices. The three main species of Cryptosporidium that infect cattle are C. parvum, C. andersoni, and C. bovis. While related, each affects cattle very differently both in the age when infected and the symptomology. C. parvum is the most frequently found in newborn and pre-weaned calves, and triggers symptoms of diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and anorexia. In contrast, C. andersoni and C. bovis infect cattle post-weaning, with increased prevalence in age up to two years. While C. bovis is largely asymptomatic, C. andersoni elicits only subclinical symptoms of weight loss and reduced milk production. Currently there are no approved prevention/treatment regimens in place for cryptosporidiosis, with care being provided on a symptomatic basis only. qPCR was utilized to test calves from six cattle operations for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., and to determine the demographics of the cattle affected. The results from this research line up with prevalent knowledge of Cryptosporidium spp.