Prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and <em>Giardia</em> spp. in cattle in the Setif region of Northeastern Algeria

• Main Authors: N. Ouchene, N. A. Ouchene-Khelifi, M. Aissi, A. Benakhla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: CIRAD 2012-03-01
• Series: Revue d’Elevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des Pays Tropicaux
• Subjects: Bovin; Veau; Cryptosporidium; Giardia; Morbidité; Diarrhée; Algérie
• Online Access: http://revues.cirad.fr/index.php/REMVT/article/view/10122

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in cattle was studied in 13 dairy farms in the Setif region of Northeastern Algeria. A total of 634 fecal samples were col­lected from 302 calves and 332 adults. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in nine farms (69.2%) and 22% of animals. The parasite was observed in all age groups but with a higher prevalence in calves aged 4–30 days (p < 0.01). Cryptosporid­ium spp. oocyst excretion was highly significantly associated with diarrheas, with a higher prevalence in calves under 30 days of age (p < 0.001). Giardia spp. was identified in 53.8% of farms and 13.8% of animals. Contrary to Cryptosporidium spp., infection by Giardia spp. seemed higher in older calves (4–12 months) (p < 0.05). No significant link was established between Giardia spp. cyst excretion and the type of feces. The presence of both parasites was revealed in 10.2% of diarrheic calves. This work shows the importance of Cryptosporidium spp. and, for the first time, that of Giardia spp. in dairy cattle of the region of Setif.