Cryptosporidium, an important enteric pathogen in goats - A review

Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious gastroenteritis that affects the neonatal goat kids causing high morbidity, mortality and significant economic losses to the goat industry. Cryptosporidium species are ubiquitous in the environment and are highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions and many of the common disinfectants are ineffective in inactivating Cryptosporidium oocysts. This review highlights the importance of cryptosporidiosis in goat farming and its potential implications in human cryptosporidiosis. Studies of caprine cryptosporidiosis in relation to prevalence, duration of oocysts shedding and clinico-pathological features in both natural and experimental conditions have indicated that cryptosporidiosis is an important differential diagnosis for diarrhoea in goat kids. Faecal specimens need to be examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts to confirm the diagnosis and immediate control measures need to be instituted to avoid severe economic losses. Only a few antimicrobial agents have shown activity against Cryptosporidium infection in man or animals. Access of neonates to adequate quantities of colostrum will help to prevent young animals from acquiring the infection in early life when the disease can be fatal. Good management practices with the application of hygienic measures are the most effective measures in controlling cryptosporidiosis in goat farms. Moreover, the control of the infection is paramount in animal reservoirs including sheep and goats from a public health perspective in preventing the contamination of public water supply and food sources which has the potential to transmit Cryptosporidium parvum to humans.