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==Description==
==Description==
[[Image:Giardia Cyst.jpg|thumb|right|150px| Giardia cyst from a dog. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joel Mills (2006)]]
[[Giardia]] is a binucleate, flagellate protozoa that causes enteric infection giardiasis in dogs and occasionally cats. Transmission is via cysts that are shed in the faeces, and may be direct or indirect. Indirect water-borne transmission is the most common modality and is favoured by cool, moist conditions that prolong cyst survival. Once cysts are ingested, motile trophozoites are released and attach to the cells of the small intestinal mucosa via an adhesive disc. Multiplication by binary fission can then occur, and trophozoites encyst to a stage adapted for survival in the external environment. Cysts are seen in the faeces from day 3 post-infection, and can survive in the environment for several months. Animals that mount an immune response to [[Giardia]] can eliminate infection; however, the immunity acquired does not necessarily prevent re-infection after a short period.
[[Giardia]] is a binucleate, flagellate protozoa that causes enteric infection giardiasis in dogs and occasionally cats. Transmission is via cysts that are shed in the faeces, and may be direct or indirect. Indirect water-borne transmission is the most common modality and is favoured by cool, moist conditions that prolong cyst survival. Once cysts are ingested, motile trophozoites are released and attach to the cells of the small intestinal mucosa via an adhesive disc. Multiplication by binary fission can then occur, and trophozoites encyst to a stage adapted for survival in the external environment. Cysts are seen in the faeces from day 3 post-infection, and can survive in the environment for several months. Animals that mount an immune response to [[Giardia]] can eliminate infection; however, the immunity acquired does not necessarily prevent re-infection after a short period.