Evaluation of factors associated with the risk of infection with Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy calves

Szonyi, Barbara; Chang, Yung-Fu; Wade, Susan E.; Mohammed, Hussni O.

doi:10.2460/ajvr.73.1.76

Cited by 12 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Breed type was previously proposed as a factor associated with infection of C. parvum. In a study of 391 experimentally infected dairy calves, the Jersey breed was identified as a risk factor for infection by C. bovis (Szonyi et al, 2012). In a cross-sectional study of 115 positive fecal samples from dairy cattle in New York State, Holstein calves were identified as more likely to be infected with C. parvum (Starkey et al, 2007).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryptosporidium parvum infection and associated risk factors in dairy calves in western France

Delafosse¹,

Chartier

Dupuy³

et al. 2015

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in calf neonates on dairy farms in Normandy. Fecal samples were randomly collected between July 2010 and September 2011 from 968 calves (7-21 days old) on 97 farms. Up to 10 calves were selected and sampled per farm, and feces examined for oocysts by microscopy. C. parvum oocyst shedding was scored semi-quantitatively (0-5). A questionnaire about calf-level care and management was completed, and mortality rates were obtained from the French national registration database (BDNI). Bivariable and multivariable analyses of potential risk factors for C. parvum oocyst shedding were conducted using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models (family=Binomial).Overall, 402 out of 968 calves (41.5%) were positive for oocysts, and 25.1% of animals had a shedding score >2. Seven of the 97 farms (7%) were negative for oocysts in all fecal samples. At the time of collection, 375 calves (39%) had diarrhea, and its prevalence strongly correlated with the score for C. parvum oocyst shedding (p<0.0001). The mortality rate at 90 days was significantly greater for calves with high combined scores of diarrhea and shedding. Factors associated with the shedding of C. parvum were the Normande breed (odds ratio=1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-2.37), dispensing of colostrum using a bucket (odds ratio=1.37; 95% CI: 1.00-1.89), treatment with halofuginone (odds ratio=0.46; 95% CI: 0.19-1.15) and feeding with fermented milk (odds ratio=0.32; 95% CI: 0.17-0.63). C. parvum is widespread among calves under 21 days old in dairy herds of western France. Shedding of C. parvum is associated with a high incidence of diarrhea and increased risk of mortality in young calves. This study identified some associated calf-level factors, although further investigations are necessary to determine appropriate measures that farmers and veterinary practitioners should take to reduce the prevalence of C. parvum.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryptosporidium parvum infection and associated risk factors in dairy calves in western France

Delafosse¹,

Chartier

Dupuy³

et al. 2015

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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Section: Enteric Diseasementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since severity and incidence of clinical disease in infected calves is very inconsistent within and between farms, there are some authors that question if C. parvum is really a primary pathogen (Foster and Smith, 2009). The risk of clinical disease increases when animals are grouped together and when hygiene and management practices are deficient (TrotzWilliams et al, 2007;Szonyi et al, 2012). Factors associated with a decreased risk of infection in preweaning calves were shown to be ventilation of calf rearing areas, daily addition of bedding, feeding of milk replacer, daily disposal and cleaning of bedding and the use of antibiotics.…”

Section: Enteric Diseasementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Factors associated with a decreased risk of infection in preweaning calves were shown to be ventilation of calf rearing areas, daily addition of bedding, feeding of milk replacer, daily disposal and cleaning of bedding and the use of antibiotics. In addition, postweaning movement of animals was also associated with a decreased risk of infection with C. parvum (Wyatt et al, 2010;Szonyi et al, 2012). Although there is a very distinct difference in the epidemiology of pneumonia of beef (suckler) calves and dairy calves raised for veal, there are common features, and so a cross-reference with the beef cattle Chapter is recommended.…”

Section: Enteric Diseasementioning

confidence: 99%

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Scientific Opinion on the welfare of cattle kept for beef production and the welfare in intensive calf farming systems

2012

EFSA Journal

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Information given in previous Opinions "Welfare of cattle kept for beef production" (SCAHAW, 2001) and "The risks of poor welfare in intensive calf farming systems" (EFSA, 2006) is updated and recent scientific evidence on the topics reviewed. Risks of poor welfare are identified using a structured analysis, and issues not identified in the SCAHAW (2001) beef Opinion, especially effects of housing and management on enteric and respiratory diseases are reviewed. The Opinion covers all systems of beef production, although the welfare of suckler cows or breeding bulls is not considered. The Chapter on beef cattle presents new evidence and recommendations in relation to heat and cold stress, mutilations and pain management, digestive disorders linked to high concentrate feeds and respiratory disorders linked to overstocking, inadequate ventilation, mixing of animals and failure of early diagnosis and treatment. Major welfare problems in cattle kept for beef production, as identified by risk assessment, were respiratory diseases linked to overstocking, inadequate ventilation, mixing of animals and failure of early diagnosis and treatment, digestive disorders linked to intensive concentrate feeding, lack of physically effective fibre in the diet, and behavioural disorders linked to inadequate floor space, and co-mingling in the feedlot. Major hazards for white veal calves were considered to be iron-deficiency anaemia, a direct consequence of dietary iron restriction, enteric diseases linked to high intakes of liquid feed and inadequate intake of physically effective fibre, discomfort and behavioural disorders linked to inadequate floors and floor space. © European Food Safety Authority, 2012 KEY WORDSBeef cattle welfare, welfare of calves in intensive farming systems, risk assessment, updates. SUMMARYFollowing a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) was asked to deliver a Scientific Opinion on the welfare of cattle kept for beef production and of calves in intensive farming systems.The European Commission is in the process of evaluating the European Union policy on animal welfare, taking account of socio-economic and trade issues. The overall aim is to improve the welfare of animals. To this end, the Commission requested EFSA to give an independent view on animalbased measures for the assessment of welfare in cattle, pigs and poultry. Before starting this work for beef cattle and calves, the Commission requested an update of scientific evidence relating to the welfare of cattle kept for beef production and calves in intensive farming systems; in particular, to consider the extent to which the conclusions and recommendations of two previous Scientific Opinions were still valid. These Opinions were the "Welfare of cattle kept for beef production" (SCAHAW, 2001) and "The risks of poor welfare in intensive calf farming systems" (EFSA, 2006).The SCAHAW (2001) Opinion "The Welfare of Cattle kept for Beef Production" differed from EFSA Opinions, in that it did not includ...

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“…Six studies considered whether certain breeds were more vulnerable to infection, of which one study (Imre et al 2015) found that 'pure-bred' animals (pure versus cross breed not defined) were at higher risk than cross breeds. Three studies (Maddox-Hyttel et al 2006;Szonyi et al 2012;Urie et al 2018) considered breed as a risk factor (Holsteins vs. Jerseys) and found that it did not matter. There is no clear support for significant differences in susceptibility to C. parvum between the major breeds of dairy cattle.…”

Section: Breedmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic review of modifiable risk factors shows little evidential support for most current practices in Cryptosporidium management in bovine calves

et al. 2020

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Cryptosporidiosis is common in young calves, causing diarrhoea, delayed growth, poor condition and excess mortality. No vaccine or cure exists, although symptomatic onset may be delayed with some chemoprophylactics. Other response and management strategies have focused on nutritional status, cleanliness and biosecurity. We undertook a systematic review of observational studies to identify risk or protective factors that could prevent Cryptosporidium parvum infection in calves. Included studies used multivariate analysis within cohort, cross-sectional or case-control designs, of risk factors among young calves, assessing C. parvum specifically. We tabulated data on characteristics and study quality and present narrative synthesis. Fourteen eligible studies were found; three of which were higher quality. The most consistent evidence suggested that risk of C. parvum infection increased when calves had more contact with other calves, were in larger herds or in organic production. Hard flooring reduced risk of infection and calves tended to have more cryptosporidiosis during warm and wet weather. While many other factors were not found to be associated with C. parvum infection, analyses were usually badly underpowered, due to clustering of management factors. Trials are needed to assess effects of manipulating calf contact, herd size, organic methods, hard flooring and temperature. Other factors need to be assessed in larger observational studies with improved disaggregation of potential risk factors.

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Evaluation of factors associated with the risk of infection with Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy calves

Abstract: Risk factors for calf infection with C. parvum differed from those for infection with C. bovis. Results may be useful to help design measures that reduce animal exposure and decrease public health risk and economic losses associated with C. parvum infection in cattle.

Cited by 12 publications

References 25 publications

Cryptosporidium parvum infection and associated risk factors in dairy calves in western France

Cryptosporidium parvum infection and associated risk factors in dairy calves in western France

Scientific Opinion on the welfare of cattle kept for beef production and the welfare in intensive calf farming systems

Systematic review of modifiable risk factors shows little evidential support for most current practices in Cryptosporidium management in bovine calves

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