Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in cattle in the Setif region of Northeastern Algeria

Abstract

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.