Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate calf and herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., the herd prevalence clustering, spatial distribution according to soil type and shedding patterns in dairy calves from Cordoba, Argentina. Six hundred twenty calves younger than 7 weeks of age from 43 dairy herds were sampled. Samples were processed with the formol-ether and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Univariate analysis and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used. Factors associated were subjected to multivariate analysis with calf shedding intensity as the response variable. Clustering of herd prevalence was assessed by a scan method, and spatial analysis was applied to explore the overlapping of high prevalence herds and soil type. Overall calf prevalence for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia spp. cysts were 19.35% (95% CI: 16.14; 22.54) and 34.50% (95% CI: 30.69; 38.34), respectively. Calves younger than two weeks of age were almost four times more likely to be infected with Cryptosporidium, in comparison to older ones (RR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.27; 6.26). Giardia spp. shedding showed a similar age pattern (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02; 1.75). A primary cluster of high Cryptosporidium prevalence was found, and high prevalence herds were located in areas with poor drained soil.
Highlights
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are important intestinal pathogens in both people and animals
The objectives of this study were to estimate calf and herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., the herd prevalence clustering, spatial distribution according to soil type and shedding patterns in dairy calves from Cordoba, Argentina
Clustering of herd prevalence was assessed by a scan method, and spatial analysis was applied to explore the overlapping of high prevalence herds and soil type
Summary
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are important intestinal pathogens in both people and animals. Cryptosporidiosis is a very common infection in cattle worldwide; calves can become lethargic, anorectic and dehydrated. Calves with severe cryptosporidiosis can take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover (OLSON et al, 2004), and economic losses due to cryptosporidial infections are related to diarrhea and the extra costs special care of diarrheic calves demand. A mortality rate of 35.5% in calves 0 and 30 days of age has been described (SINGH et al, 2006). Giardia intestinalis (synomyms G. duodenalis and G. lamblia) is globally distributed and is a common protozoan parasite in many species of animals and man. The public health implications of giardiasis are well known and its effect on calf performance is not conclusive (HUETINK et al, 2001; OLSON et al, 2004; BARIGYE et al, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
