CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION OF SHEEP AND GOATS IN KERMAN: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS

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Abstract

Cryptosporidium is an important cause of illness in farm animals. The present study conducted in Kerman, Iran between 2003-2004 to elucidate the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep and goats. Fecal samples were collected fresh and transferred to the research lab. Cryptosporidium oocysts were concentrated using formalin-ether sedimentation method followed by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The data analyzed using non-parametric tests and logistic regression. Of 774 animals, 434 sheep and 340 goats, 120 animals (15.5%) were infected. The infection rate in sheep and goats was 13.8% and 17.6% respectively. Age, season (spring and winter), fecal consistency, presence of other animal species and the herd size significantly correlated with the probability of Cryptosporidium infection. The study showed a remarkable rate of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep and goats. Regarding the risk factors of the infection improving animal husbandry is a prerequisite for effective control of the disease in livestock.

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