Prevalence of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in calves and associated risk factors in Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium spp. are zoonotic protozoa, frequently associated with diarrhea in calves, which responsible for important economic losses. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence infection by and its risk factors among calves raised a milk production region Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 385) were obtained from young animals (up ten months old) evaluated means centrifugal fecal sedimentation formalin-ether followed modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. In addition, Odds Ratio (OR) calculated evaluate associations between variables these protozoa. Out all analyzed, 25.7% (99/385) scored positive presence Contact other species (goat sheep) (OR 3.33; p 0.000), use semi-intensive rearing system 1.70; 0.024) absence hygienic conditions (fecal contamination food water) 1.64; 0.029) considered be factors. Data herein reported shows that implementation hygienic-sanitary measures on farms studied, it is imperative reduce consequently impact caused pathogen.