cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is most commonly caused by the small protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. This is transferred either faecal-orally or through a contaminated water supply. It infects the epithelial lining of the digestive tract where it reproduces and oocysts are shed in the faeces after about a week (pre-patent period). Cryptosporidiosis is zoonotic and can infect many other species as well as calves, such as lambs, pigs and foals.

Clinical Signs