Cryptosporidium Infection In Calves Research Articles

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and associated risk factors in calves in Egypt

Cryptosporidium is one of the causative parasitic agents that causes gastrointestinal diseases in calves. The parasite poses a zoonotic risk to immunocompromised individuals and children. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves in three Egyptian governorates situated in Nile Delta and assess the associated risk factors. The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 81 out of 430 calves (18.84%). In addition, the univariant analysis showed that age, feeding source, hygienic status, presence of diarrhea and contact with other animals were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with Cryptosporidium prevalence in calves. Furthermore, the risk factors related with Cryptosporidium prevalence were age (OR 1.96, 95%CI 0.97–3.94), feeding on milk and pasture (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.15–3.72), poor hygienic condition (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.28–3.94), presence of diarrhea (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.23–4.96) and contact with other domestic animals (OR 2.08, 95%CI 1.24–3.50). In addition, the PCR assay targeting 18srRNA showed that the most prevalent species among calves was C. parvum. Although additional researches are required to understand the most effective steps that farmers and veterinary professionals should take to decrease the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves in and around Nekemte Town, East Wollega Zone of Ethiopia.

Purpose Cryptosporidiosis, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium, is a zoonotic disease that affects young animals and humans. The study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2021, with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves and assessing the associated risk factors in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was adopted during the study period. Initially, 35 dairy farms were selected using a systematic study approach from which a total of 384 calves under the age of 12 months (75 calves from intensive, 51 from semi-intensive, and 258 from extensive dairy farms) were selected purposively for fecal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of each calf and tested for Cryptosporidium oocysts using Sheather's flotation and a modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining procedure. The data were analyzed using STATA statistical software version 13. Results Cryptosporidium infection was found in 53 of the 384 calves investigated, with an overall prevalence of 13.8% (95% CI = 8.1–17.6). Logistic regression analysis on the risk factors showed that types of farm, age, body condition scores, fecal consistency, types of feed, source of water, and farm hygiene were found to have a statistically significant influence on the shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts by the calves (p < 0.05). Calves under the age of six months had a higher likelihood (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.0–4.2, p < 0.001) of shedding the oocysts than the calves of 6 to 12 months of age. It was also confirmed that calves with poor body condition scores had a higher likelihood (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2–3.7, p=0.024) of shedding the Cryptosporidium oocysts than other ones. The likelihood of shedding a Cryptosporidium oocyst by the diarrheic calves was higher than by the nondiarrheic ones (OR = 3.1, p < 0.001). The infection was 2.6 times highest (16.8%, 31/185, 95% CI = 14.5–19.1, OR = 2.6, p=0.028) in calves feeding on grass alone, followed by milk and grass (15%) and milk (4.2%). Similarly, it was 2.2 times higher (18.5%, OR = 2.2, and p=0.002) in calves drinking river water than in calves drinking tap water. Moreover, calves kept under poor hygiene were more likely to shed Cryptosporidium oocysts (OR = 2.8, p=0.001) than calves kept under good hygiene. Conclusion In conclusion, cryptosporidiosis is one of the health problems of calves in and around Nekemte town, East Wollega zone. Our findings confirmed that risk factors such as types of farm, age, body condition scores, fecal consistency, types of feed, water source, and farm hygienic status were found to have a significant effect on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in the calves. While the molecular-based study is required to be carried out aiming at species identification and the epidemiology of the parasite, particular attention should be paid to the control of the disease in the study area.

Investigation of bovine interleukin-6 gene polymorphism and its association with Cryptosporidium infection in calves

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with inflammatory diseases, but its connection with Cryptosporidium in Holstein calves remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 on the resistance and susceptibility to Cryptosporidium in calves and to prepare a phylogenetictree in order to show the relation between Cryptosporidium species. Seventy-two samples were studied from healthy and infected with Cryptosporidium calves and genotyped using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). The phylogenetic tree was constructed by the neighbor-joining method using the MEGA 7.0 software. The results showed a frequency of 76.40% for T allele and 23.60% for C allele in the healthy calves, while the results showed a frequency of 73.60% for T allele and 26.40% for C allele in calves infected with Cryptosporidium. The results did not reveal a significant difference between healthy and infectious animals according to the allele frequency (P=0.637). The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that C. parvum (HQ259589.1) with an 81% bootstrap were clustered with C. hominis (KM012041.1). The results also indicated that C. parvum (HQ259589.1) and C. hominis (KM012041.1) had a common ancestor with C. cuniculus. Additionally, C. andersoni(HQ259590.1) with an 88% bootstrap of support was placed in the same clade of C. muris (L19069.1), and both of them had a common ancestor with C. serpentis(KF240618.1). Further studies are required to investigate the relation between SNPs of IL-6 in other regions and the resistance or susceptibility to Cryptosporidium in calves.

Rearing system with nurse cows and risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in organic dairy calves

Rearing dairy calves with nurse cows has been increasingly adopted by French farmers especially in organic farming and is characterized by a fostering of two to four calves during the first month of life by an unmilked lactating cow. This type of rearing remains poorly documented regarding its impact on calf health, such as cryptosporidiosis. The objectives of our study were to describe practices related to rearing dairy calves with nurse cows and to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in calf neonates. Between January and September 2019, the rearing practices of calves were described in 20 organic French farms and faeces were sampled once from 611 animals aged between 5 and 21 days. Cryptosporidium oocyst shedding was identified by modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and scored semi-quantitatively (score 0–4). The risk of excretion (score 0 versus 1–4) was analysed using multivariate logistic regression models.This cow-calf rearing system usually consisted of a first phase with the dam, followed by an optional phase of artificial milk feeding (calves being fed with whole milk of the farm) and a final phase of fostering by a nurse cow. Each nurse was suckled from one to five calves of close age with a fostering age of 8 days on average. The oocyst shedding prevalence was 40.2 % and similar to classically reared calves, but the intensity of shedding and the prevalence of diarrhoea appeared to be lower. The identified six risk factors for oocyst shedding were: born in the last two thirds of the birth order, born between January and July versus August and September, calf with its dam in the barn versus on pasture, having an artificial milk feeding phase versus being with the dam only, and contact between peer calves and notably the presence of an oocyst excretory calf fostered by the same nurse. These results emphasize the role of the environment for the direct and indirect contamination, particularly that related to the accumulation of oocysts from previous or peer calves facilitating the faecal-oral route of transmission. This highlights the crucial role of the premises used intensively during the winter and spring months with higher densities of calves in the barn compared to outdoor situations promoted by this rearing.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves with Effect on Biochemical Parameters

This study was conducted throughout the year on 93 calves from different regions of Baghdad province.Three age groups included; Below 1 month, 1-2 months and above 6 months. A changed aim-the techniqueof stain Neelsen (MZN) has been used for the identification of the development of cryptosporidium and fecaldiarrheic samples.In biochemical research, blood samples have been obtained. Cryptosporidium occurrence was much higherin spring season (56%), followed by the winter (52%), the allergy season (46%), and lowermost in a seasonof summer (40%).The highest rate of infection in animals which was given was the age group of theanimals that under the age of 30 days (71%), 2-6 months were (59%) and (43%) were over 6 months old.The animals concerned reported substantial rises in plasma, urea and creatinine relative to stable animalsin the management of biochemical changes. Finally, Age and seasonal changes were associated withcryptosporidiosis. The biochemical factors affected by the calves also have a negative effect.

Distribution of Cryptosporidium species isolated from diarrhoeic calves in Japan.

Cryptosporidium spp. are enteric protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts including humans, and domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the Cryptosporidium spp. found in calf faeces in Japan. A total of 80 pre-weaned beef and dairy calves' diarrhoeic faecal specimens were collected from nine different prefectures in Japan. A nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the small subunit 18S rRNA and GP60 genes were used to detect the Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes. 83.8% (67 out of 80) of the specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp.; Cryptosporidium was found in both beef and dairy calves. Cryptosporidium parvum was the predominant species, detected in 77.5% (31/40) of beef calves and 80% (32/40) of dairy calves. Cryptosporidium bovis was also detected, 5.0% (2/40) of dairy calves, and C. ryanae was also found 2.5% (1/40) of dairy calves. One mixed-species infection, 2.5% (1/40) was detected in a beef calf having C. parvum, and C. ryanae. We detected the most common subtype of C. parvum (i.e., IIaA15G2R1), as well as other subtypes (i.e., IIaA14G3R1, IIaA14G2R1, and IIaA13G1R1) that have not previously been detected in calves in Japan. Our results demonstrate the widespread diversity of Cryptosporidium infection in calves in Japan.

Parasitological Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves, chickens and human in Behera province

Parasitological Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves, chickens and human in Behera province

Parasitological Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves, chickens and human in Behera province

Cryptosporidium is a cosmopolitan intestinal protozoan parasite that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa and infects a broad range of vertebrate hosts including livestock, human and birds. This current study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp.infection in young calves, human and chickens, in five districts covering five different geographical locations of the Behera province. In doing this, a total number of 310 faecal samples from calves (n= 148), human being (n=112) and chicken (n=50) were collected, stained using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, and were examined microscopically for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Correlations between prevalence rates and related parameters such as species, age, gender and faecal consistencies were also analyzed. Results indicated that 43.2%, 16.1% and 6%, of calves, human and chicken, were found infected with Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. Statistically significant variable rates of infection were also detected across six surveyed districts of the Behera governorate, with the notable absence of infection from chicken in Abo Hummus and Rahmaneyah districts. Statistically significant variable rates of infection were also characterized in calves when species, age, sex, and faecal consistency were analyzed; buffalo >4 weeks calves, male and calves with formed faeces have higher infection rates than their counterparts of cattle Cryptosporidium spp. in the livestock and chicken living in close proximity to human population necessitates better surveillance and control measures to protect vulnerable animal and human populations.

Determining the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infections with Acid Fast Staining and ELISA in Calves at the Kars Province of Turkey.

This study aimed to comparatively determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in calves grown at dairies under farm or village conditions at the Kars Province using modified acid-fast (mAF) staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stool samples constituting the study material were collected between March and June 2011 from rectums of calves at 22 centers in the villages and farms of the Kars Province. Calves were divided into 2 groups: 3-90 days old (up to 3 months old) and 91-180 days old (older than 3 months). The study material comprised 313 stool samples (146 diarrheal samples and 167 healthy samples). Each of the samples was first examined using mAF staining; of these samples, 222 were examined using the C. parvum ELISA kit (Bio-X Diagnostics), whereas 91 were examined using the Cryptosporidium commercial ELISA kit (Diagnostic Automation, Inc., USA) for the presence of Cryptosporidium copro-antigens. The incidence of the presence of Cryptosporidium among the calves was 3.8% (12/313) with mAF staining and 5.1% (16/313) with ELISA. All the samples in which the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined using mAF staining were determined to be positive using ELISA. Cryptosporidium was found to be present in 5.5% (8/146) and 7.5% (11/146) of diarrheal calves, 2.4% (4/167) and 3.0% (5/167) of healthy calves, 4.0% (10/253) and 5.5% (14/253) of calves aged up to 3 months, and 3.3% (2/60) (via both tests) of calves aged 3-6 months. C. parvum was present in 5.9% (13/222) of the calves; it was found at a higher concentration in calves aged up to 3 months (6.2%; 12/194) than in those aged 3-6 months (3.6%; 1/28). Of the C. parvum-positive cases, 9 cases were found to have diarrhea, whereas 4 were observed to be healthy. C. parvum copro antigens were observed at the highest level (7.4%; 8/108) in diarrheal calves aged up to 3 months. At the species level, the rate of incidence of Cryptosporidium copro-antigens in calves examined using ELISA for determining Cryptosporidium factors was found to be 3.3% (3/91), and the same rate was found 3.4% (2/59) in calves aged up to 3 months and 3.1% (1/32) in those aged 3-6 months. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections among the calves was observed to decrease in recent years.

Cryptosporidium infection in calves and the environment in Asembo, Western Kenya: 2015.

Introduction Cryptosporidium species, a zoonotic enteric coccidian parasite, is among the leading causes of diarrhea in children. We evaluated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in calves, factors associated with calf infection, environmental contamination of manure by Cryptosporidium and factors that expose humans to zoonotic transmission in Asembo.Methodsin a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2015, we collected fecal specimens from 350 randomly selected calves aged ≤ 6 months old and 187 manure samples from the same farms. We assessed farmers’ knowledge about Cryptosporidium and collected data on characteristics using structured questionnaires. Modified Ziehl Nielsen staining was used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts from calves’ stool and manure. The prevalence of infected calves and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% (CI) were calculated to identify possible factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection; multivariable logistic regression performed to identify factors independently associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium.Resultscalves’ fecal Cryptosporidium prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI: 5.7-11.8) and 7.5% (95% CI: 4.2-12.2) in manure. Odds of infection was higher in calves with loose stool compared to those with normal stool (AOR = 6.1, 95% C.I: 2.2-16.9), calves ≤ 2 months old compared to older calves (AOR=12.7, 95% C.I: 4.5-35.8) and calves in poor sanitation compared to calves in good hygienic conditions (AOR = 9.9, 95% C.I: 3.1-30.7).Conclusionpresence of Cryptosporidium species in calves and environment and reported human contact with animals increases zoonotic risk. We recommend further studies that determine specific Cryptosporidium species infecting animals and humans which would better estimate risk of disease transmission to humans.

Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves and Hospitalized Children in Egypt

Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves and Hospitalized Children in Egypt

CONVENTIONAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS IN CALVES

The present study was conducted on 120 newly born calves (37 mixed breed, 66 native breed and 17 buffaloes calves), aged from one day to 6 months, they examined during the period from April 2014 to April 2016, these animals belong to some villages and farms from Assiut governorate. The overall prevalence was15.83 % (20.89% in calves less than two months, 11.36% in calves' from 2-4months with no infection rate from 4-6 months).the prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in village shad higher rate of infection (19.23%) than farms (9.52%) in Assiut governorate. Mixed breed calves were more susceptible (24.32%) than native breed calves (13.64%) followed by buffalo calves (5.88%). Male calves were more susceptible than female calves to infection {males 16.44% (12/73) – females 14.89% (7/47)}. The clinical findings of cryptosporidiosis in examined calves were showed mild to severe diarrhea with varying degree of dehydration. Some cases were feverish. The state of appetite was different according to the severity of illness. The feces were varied from pasty to watery in consistency, pale yellow, yellow or greenish in color and sometimes contained mucous and blood. Higher infection rate was in non-hot months (22.95%) than hot months (8.47%). The molecular technique used for identification of Cryptosporidium infection in calves was nested PCR which is highly sensitive as a diagnostic tool for cryptosporidiosis and allow a rapid diagnosis in outbreak situations and provide information on genotypes.

Development of a sensitive method to extract and detect low numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts from adult cattle faecal samples

Cryptosporidium transmission studies to date have concluded that adult cattle are not a significant source of oocysts contributing to clinical cryptosporidiosis in calves on farm. However current methods of sample processing have been optimised for calf faecal samples and may be less sensitive when used on adult samples due to lower numbers of oocysts and larger size of samples. A modified and novel method of oocyst extraction and concentration was developed and applied in an experiment involving spiking adult cattle faecal samples with known concentrations of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The results showed an increased sensitivity of detection from 100oocysts/g of faecal sample using conventional protocols to 5oocysts/g using the newly developed method. As it is important to be able to accurately assess the contribution of adult ruminants to the transmission of Cryptosporidium, both on farm and in the environment, the development of the techniques described here is likely to make an important contribution to Cryptosporidium transmission studies in future and in subsequent control strategies aimed at the reduction of Cryptosporidium infection in calves on farm.

Clinical epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in calves

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between Cryptosporidium infections in calves and immunological factors, as well as farm-related factors or the application of the anti-cryptosporidiosis drug Halofuginone. From January to June 2010, 63 cow-calf-pairs from 20 different farms near Zürich, Switzerland have been investigated. Each cowcalf- pair was visited three times within the first 6 weeks of life to collect data of the farm and animals, as well as blood, faecal, colostral and milk samples. An ELISA using sporozoite antigen was developed for the specific detection of anti-Cryptosporidium-IgG in blood- and colostral serum. The IgG concentration in the bloodand colostral serum was determined using radial immuno diffusion test (RID). White blood cell isolation and differential blood cell counts and California Mastitis Test were performed. Bacteriological studies on quarter-milk-samples were carried out. Cryptosporidium oocysts were diagnosed with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, other protozoa with the SAFC method and Eimeria oocysts and helminth eggs were diagnosed with the combined sedimentation/floatation test. ELISAs were performed for the detection of rota- and coronavirus, E. coli F5 and Cryptosporidium spp. in bovine feces (bio-X Diagnostics®, Belgium). The highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 54.0% and found 7 to 20 days post natum, whereas 47.1% were suffering from diarrhea. The transfer of total IgG with the colostrum and the humoral immunity of the calf could not prevent any infection with Cryptosporidium, but the severity of the diarrhea symptoms decreased with increasing total IgG concentrations. Calves housed in open sheds showed significantly more often diarrhea, i. e. they shed more Cryptosporidium oocysts during the first 4 days and 7 to 20 days post natum, respectively. Halofuginone (Halocur®) is approved for prophylaxis against cryptosporidiosis, but it showed no effect on the excretion of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the present study.

Cryptosporidium species detected in calves and cattle in Dagoretti, Nairobi, Kenya

A total of 1,734 cattle faecal samples from 296 dairy-keeping households were collected from urban settings in Nairobi, Kenya. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and an immunofluorescence assay were used to identify those samples with Cryptosporidium oocyst infection. Oocysts from positive faecal samples were isolated by Sheather's sucrose flotation method and picked from the concentrate using cover slips. Genomic DNA was extracted from 124 of the faecal samples that were positive for Cryptosporidium and was used as template for nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene. Twenty-five samples (20 %) were PCR-positive for Cryptosporidium, and 24 of the PCR products were successfully cloned and sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis identified 17 samples (68 %) as Cryptosporidium parvum-like, four samples (16 %) as Cryptosporidium ryanae, three samples (12 %) as Cryptosporidium andersoni and one sample (4 %) as Cryptosporidium hominis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genotyping study to report C. parvum-like, C. andersoni and C. hominis in cattle from Kenya. The results of this study show Cryptosporidium infections in calves and cattle may be potential zoonotic reservoirs of the parasite that infects humans.

Investigation into the Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Calves among Small-Holder Dairy and Traditional Herds in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis in bovine from two contrasting production system in and around Tanga municipality between May 2003 and January 2004. The study populations comprised 117 calves aged ≤3 months, randomly selected from 44 smallholders dairy and traditional managed herds, respectively. Individual calf and herd-level information was collected using a structured questionnaire and feacal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium spp oocysts using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method. Overall, 35% of the calves in the study were shedding Cryptosporidium spp oocysts, with at least one positive calf detected in 54.5% of herds. Independent risk factors for cryptosporidiosis were: age ≥1 to ≤2 months and level of cleanness of calf house floor categorized as dirty (P < .05). Similarly an increases risk of Cryptosporidium spp infection was found in calves from smallholder dairy units compared to traditional herds (P < .05). The finding highlights that Cryptosporidium spp is prevalent among calves in the area under study. The high prevalence of cryptosporidiosis detected in this study suggests that it may have a significant impact on livestock industry and that the close interaction between cattle and human may play a role in zoonotic transmission to humans.

Cryptosporidium infection in calves from a rural area of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dairy calves less than 1 month of age are commonly infected with Cryptosporidium spp. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among dairy calves ≤30 days old, with and without diarrhoea, in a rural area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total of 280 calves were studied. For each calf a single faecal sample was obtained and processed by water–ether concentration. The microscopic search was carried out using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen’s acid fast method. The population was stratified according to days of life. The samples were classified according to macroscopic characteristics. The intensity of infection was estimated semiquantitatively according to the average number of oocysts in 20 randomly selected fields observed at 1000×. Analysis of a single sample of each 280 calves revealed that 48 calves eliminated oocysts. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidial infection was 17%. The analysis of the macroscopic characteristics of the faeces of all the studied calves showed that 57.1% were diarrhoeic. The 100% of the infected calves were ≤14 days old. The prevalence according to age group was: 37.5% for ≤7 days, and 21.4% for ≥8 ≤ 14 days. Both normal and diarrhoeic faeces with blood were negative for Cryptosporidium spp. The 37.5% of diarrhoeic faeces without blood were positive, showing a presence of mucus of 83.3%. The 66.7% of samples with mucus showed an average of 10 oocysts/field. The relationship between intensity of infection and age group showed that 66.7% of positive samples from calves ≤7 days old, presented an average of >10 oocysts/field. This study shows that Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the causes of calf neonatal diarrhoea in a rural area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The highest intensity of infection reported for the ≤7-day-old group demonstrates that these animals are, from an epidemiological point of view, an important source of contamination of water and soil of the area.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves in France

Two multicentre surveys were conducted in France to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves using qualitative ELISA for detection of Cryptosporidium coproantigens and oocysts. The first survey involved 4–12-day-old calves in six dairy-calf distribution centres, collecting calves from seven Administrative Regions (Aquitaine, Bretagne, Franche-Comté, Lorraine, Normandie, Nord, Pays de Loire). For each region, 20 calves were selected every month for 12 consecutive months (October 1995–September 1996). Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 17.9% (Confidence Intervals (C.I.) 95%=[16.1%; 19.8%]) among the 1628 selected calves, of which only 5.3% had diarrhoea. The second survey conducted between November 1995 and May 1996 involved 4–21-day-old calves examined by veterinary practitioners who selected 189 livestock farms of dairy- or suckler-type in ten Administrative Departments (Allier, Cantal, Creuse, Doubs, Ille-et-Vilaine, Maine-et-Loire, Manche, Pas-de-Calais, Saône-et-Loire, Vendée). Cryptosporidia were detected in 105 (55.6%) of the farms. Among the 440 calves examined, of which 398 (90.5%) presented diarrhoea, cryptosporidia were found in 191 animals, i.e. a prevalence of 43.4% (C.I. 95%=[38.8%; 48.0%]). Breed of calves and type of housing had very little impact on prevalence in this survey. Some regional variations could be noticed, even if cryptosporidia infection is widespread. Monthly variations could be related to seasonal peaks in calving with a lower infection rate during summer.