Presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in calves from dairy herds in Northern Antioquia, Colombia

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteropathogen protozoan parasites that infect humans and other animals throughout the world. Cryptosporidiosis in cattle industry leads to considerable economic losses due diarrhea, dehydration, growth retardation, weight loss, possibly death, however, data on occurrence ofCryptosporidiumspp. Colombia limited. Therefore, this study aimed investigate possible factors associated excretion of oocyst pre-weaned calves from dairy farms Northern Antioquia, Colombia. In addition, Sheather’s sugar floatation (SSF), Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN) methods were compared. A total 41 fecal samples collected between 1 92 days age which 23 positive (56.1%). Crossbreed nine times less susceptible than purebred oocysts (OR=0.10). MZN was best technique for detection samples, mean number detect cryptosporidial lower SSF method. is widespread among under 2 months herds although further investigations considering a greater necessary.