Difference between revisions of "Cryptosporidiosis"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| − | This is a '''zoonotic''', diarrhoea- causing, disease of cattle and other domestic livestock caused by the parasite [[Cryptosporidium | + | 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. |
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== Clinical Signs == | == Clinical Signs == | ||
| − | Often seen in adolescent calves, may present as a sudden outbreak or as sporadic disease. Animals may have weight loss | + | 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. |
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== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
| − | Clinical signs and age of cattle will provide a presumptive diagnosis. A faecal smear with | + | 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. |
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== Control == | == Control == | ||
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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 | + | If diarrhoea is present and ''Cryptosporidium'' has been detected then treat with halofuginon. This treatment is given orally. |
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| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Intestinal Diseases - Cattle]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Zoonoses]] | ||
Revision as of 14:02, 27 April 2011
Introduction
This is a zoonotic, diarrhoea-causing, disease of cattle and other domestic livestock caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. It is a 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
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
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
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. This treatment is given orally.
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