An Irish perspective on <it>Cryptosporidium</it>. Part 1

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Cryptosporidiosis, a protozoal disease which causes significant morbidity in humans, is one of the chief causes of diarrhoea in neonatal ruminants. Although the parasite poses a significant threat to public health and animal health in Ireland, its epidemiology on...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zintl Annetta, Mulcahy Grace, de Waal Theo, de Waele Valerie, Byrne Catherine, Clyne Marguerite, Holden Nicholas, Fanning Seamus
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2006-08-01
Series:Irish Veterinary Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.irishvetjournal.org/content/59/8/442
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Cryptosporidiosis, a protozoal disease which causes significant morbidity in humans, is one of the chief causes of diarrhoea in neonatal ruminants. Although the parasite poses a significant threat to public health and animal health in Ireland, its epidemiology on the island is only poorly understood. Environmental studies have shown the waterborne parasite to be widespread in some untreated waterbodies around Ireland. The island's hydrogeological situation, combined with high stocking rates of livestock and the absence of filtration from regular water treatment, render it vulnerable to large-scale outbreaks. This review discusses the parasite in the Irish context and underlines the need for a reference facility to provide active surveillance on the island.</p>
ISSN:2046-0481