PREVALENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION IN DAIRY CALVES IN WESTERN WASHINGTON

  • 1 July 1989
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (7) , 1069-1070
Abstract
The prevalence and intensity of Cryptosporidium infection were examined in 445 Holstein calves at 10 dairy farms in western Washington, near Seattle. Fifty-one percent (176) of calves in the 7- to 21-day-old age group (n = 342) were positive for oocytes in the feces by carbolfuchsin staining. Prevalence and intensity of infection were highest in calves 8 to 14 days old; prevalence was 60% in this group, and 48% of the Cryptosporidium-positive calves had oocyst shedding at a 4 + level. A seasonal pattern in prevalence was not evident.