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An Analysis of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum in Bucket Calves at The University of Findlay's Animal Science Barn
Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are protozoal parasites that can cause gastroenteritis in dairy calves and are zoonotic diseases causing intestinal enteritis in humans. The initial objective of this study was to determine the presence of G. lamblia or C. parvum and if environmental stressors promote shedding of G. lamblia cysts or C. parvum oocysts in male dairy calves (n=35). The environmental stressors considered were arrival to the facility, transfer from isolation to the main barn, and processing (castration, dehorning, vaccination). Fecal samples were analyzed using rapid immunochromatographic assay. Data analysis of Group 1 (n=17) suggested environmental stressors failed to influence shedding and isolation may not be effective at preventing the spread of disease. Subsequently, the objective of the study on Group 2 (n=18) was to determine the effectiveness of isolation and if the same environmental stressors promote shedding of G. lamblia cysts or C. parvum oocysts. For both groups, fecal samples were collected within 24 h upon arrival (IN), 24 h before isolation removal (BIR), 36-60 h after isolation removal (AIR), 24 h before processing (BP), and 36-60 h after processing (AP). Group 2 had additional fecal samples collected at the end of week 1 (W1) and week 2 (W2) in isolation. Results indicated there was no degree of significance between environmental stressors and shedding of G. lamblia or C. parvum. Isolation appeared ineffective at preventing G. lamblia or C. parvum from spreading. Results did not detect G. lamblia or C. parvum in Group 1 calves at IN, however at BIR calves showed an increase in measured incidence 27%. Fecal samples from calves in Group 2 tested positive for G. lamblia or C. parvum at IN 22% and BIR 56%. The average for both groups was 12% at IN and 42% at BIR. Overall 11% of calves were positive for G. lamblia and C. parvum simultaneously, 31% tested positive for C. parvum, 72% tested positive for G. lamblia, and 86% tested positive for either parasite at least once. Given the potential for infection, increased hygiene measures are recommended. The isolation procedure should be examined for plausible breeches. Potential source of infection for calves needs to be investigated.
Keywords: Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum