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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Parasitol / Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Canadian farm animals.
Veterinary parasitology1997; 68(4); 375-381; doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01072-2

Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Canadian farm animals.

Abstract: Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are commonly identified intestinal pathogens in humans and animals. In light of the clinical disease, production losses and zoonotic potential of both Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections, a study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in cattle, sheep, pigs and horses in Canadian farms at different geographical locations. A total of 104 cattle, 89 sheep, 236 pigs and 35 horses were sampled from 15 different Canadian geographical locations. Fecal samples were examined after concentration and immunofluorescent staining. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were present in cattle and sheep in six out of six sites sampled. In cattle the overall prevalence was 29% for Giardia and 20% for Cryptosporidium. Giardia was identified in 38% of sheep while 23% of sheep were positive for Cryptosporidium. Giardia and Cryptosporidium were identified in four out of six hog operations with an overall prevalence of 9% for Giardia and 11% for Cryptosporidium. All horse sampling locations (4/4) were positive for Giardia with 20% of animals infected. Cryptosporidium was identified in three out of four sampling sites with a prevalence of 17%. The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium was greater in calves and lambs compared to adults. This study demonstrates that both Giardia and Cryptosporidium appear to be prevalent in farm livestock.
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Publication Date: 1997-03-01 PubMed ID: 9106959DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01072-2Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper explores the prevalence of two intestinal pathogens, Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., in various farm animals on Canadian farms located in different geographical regions.

Objective of the Research

  • The study aimed to examine the prevalence of two types of parasites, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, in different types of farm animals across various geographical locations in Canada.
  • This investigation was primarily embarked due to the known potential of both Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections to cause clinical disease, production losses, and zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans).

Methodology

  • For this study, the researchers collected fecal samples from a total of 104 cattle, 89 sheep, 236 pigs, and 35 horses from 15 different sites across Canada.
  • After concentrating the fecal samples, they were examined by immunofluorescent staining – a process used to visually identify specific substances in the cells.

Key Findings

  • Results showed that Giardia and Cryptosporidium were present in both cattle and sheep in all the sites sampled. A prevalence rate of 29% was noted for Giardia and 20% for Cryptosporidium in cattle.
  • Among sheep, 38% were identified with Giardia infection and 23% were positive for Cryptosporidium.
  • Hog operations showed a Giardia prevalence of 9% and Cryptosporidium of 11% at four out of six sites sampled.
  • All horse sampling locations returned positive results for Giardia infection at a rate of 20%. Cryptosporidium was identified in three out of four sampling sites with prevalence at 17%.
  • Higher prevalence was noticed in younger animals like calves and lambs compared to the adult population of these species.

Conclusion

  • The study concludes by illustrating that Giardia and Cryptosporidium pose a significant risk as they are prevalent in farm animals in Canada.
  • This research underlines the importance of implementing proper healthcare protocols and preventative measures to manage these pathogens within the livestock population, considering their zoonotic potential and impact on farm productivity.

Cite This Article

APA
Olson ME, Thorlakson CL, Deselliers L, Morck DW, McAllister TA. (1997). Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Canadian farm animals. Vet Parasitol, 68(4), 375-381. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01072-2

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 0304-4017
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 68
Issue: 4
Pages: 375-381

Researcher Affiliations

Olson, M E
  • Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Alta, Canada. molson@acs.ucalgary.ca
Thorlakson, C L
    Deselliers, L
      Morck, D W
        McAllister, T A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Animals, Domestic / parasitology
          • Canada
          • Cattle / parasitology
          • Cattle Diseases
          • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
          • Cryptosporidiosis / transmission
          • Cryptosporidiosis / veterinary
          • Cryptosporidium / isolation & purification
          • Feces / parasitology
          • Giardia / isolation & purification
          • Giardiasis / epidemiology
          • Giardiasis / transmission
          • Giardiasis / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases
          • Horses / parasitology
          • Humans
          • Prevalence
          • Sheep / parasitology
          • Sheep Diseases
          • Swine / parasitology
          • Swine Diseases
          • Zoonoses

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