Abstract

A cohort study was performed to investigate cryptosporidial prevalence and species distribution in 13 organic and 13 conventional dairy herds. Faecal samples were collected from 221 calves and 259 cows. Management routines were recorded at farm inspection and through a questionnaire. Samples were concentrated using sodium chloride flotation and cryptosporidial oocysts were detected by epifluorescence microscopy. Molecular analysis was used to determine species and subtypes. A multivariable model for factors associated with calves being Cryptosporidium spp. positive was built. Cryptosporidium spp.-positive animals were identified in all herds. Prevalences were similar in organic and conventional calves (44.7% vs. 52.3%), as well as in cows (3.1% vs. 3.8%), P>0.05. Cryptosporidium bovis, C. ryanae and C. parvum were identified. C. ryanae was identified in a calf younger than the described prepatent period. The multivariable model included four significant variables; calf age, cleanliness of bedding, cleaning routines for group pens and farmers' attitudes towards biosecurity.

Keywords

Cattle; Cryptosporidium; epidemiology; zoonoses

Published in

Epidemiology and Infection
2013, Volume: 141, number: 3, pages: 529-539
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS

SLU Authors

• Axén, Charlotte

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Veterinary Institute (SVA)

• Blanco Penedo, Isabel

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Infectious Medicine


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268812000830

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/53840