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==Overview==
== Introduction ==
This is a '''zoonotic''', diarrhoea- causing, disease of cattle and other domestic livestock caused by the parasite [[Cryptosporidium|cryptosporidium]].It is a protozoan parasite that inhabits crypt cells of the intestine. Transmission of the disease is faeco- oral. The disease is sever in humans and can be fatal in the immunocompromised. It causes severe sickness and diarrhoea for up to two weeks.<br>
== Clinical Signs ==
Often seen in adolescent calves, may present as a sudden outbreak or as sporadic disease. Animals may have weight loss and and appear dull and depressed. Diarrhoea will be profuse and watery and may appear green/ black.
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== Diagnosis ==
Clinical signs and age of cattle will provide a presumptive diagnosis. A faecal smear with '''Ziehl-Neelson''' (ZN) stain is diagnostic and if cryptosporidium is present then oocysts stain red against a blue/green background. Immunoassayscan also be performed to detect oocysts in faeces.
==Villus Atrophy in Enteritis==
== Control ==
Isolate/quarantine bought-in calves maintain good hygiene by providing adequate bedding and disinfecting calf pens.
If diarrhoea is present and cryptosporidium has been detected then treat with halofuginon, trade names Halocur or Intervet. This treatment is given orally.
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[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]]