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== Introduction ==

== 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>

This is a '''zoonotic''', diarrhoea-causing, disease of cattle and other domestic livestock caused by the parasite ''[[Cryptosporidium]]''. It is a [[:Category:Protozoa|protozoan parasite]] that inhabits crypt cells of the intestine. Transmission of the disease is faeco-oral. The disease is severe in humans and can be fatal in the immunocompromised. It causes severe sickness and diarrhoea for up to two weeks.

 

 

== Clinical Signs ==

== 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.

Often seen in adolescent calves, may present as a sudden outbreak or as sporadic disease. Animals may have weight loss and appear dull and depressed. Diarrhoea will be profuse and watery and may appear green/black.

 

== Diagnosis ==

== Diagnosis ==

Clinical signs and age of cattle will provide a presumptive diagnosis. A faecal smear with&nbsp;'''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.  

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. Immunoassays can also be performed to detect oocysts in faeces.  

 

 

== Control ==

== Control ==

Isolate/quarantine bought-in calves maintain good hygiene by providing adequate bedding and disinfecting calf pens.  

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&nbsp;Halocur or Intervet. This treatment is given orally.  

If diarrhoea is present and ''Cryptosporidium'' has been detected then treat with halofuginon. This treatment is given orally.  

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]