Cryptosporidium spp. in pet birds: Genetic diversity and potential public health significance

► The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pet birds in Henan, China was 8.1% (35/434). ► Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium galli and avian genotypes III and V were identified. ► Morphometrics was performed on all five species/genotypes. ► Genetic variation was identified in C. galli isolates. ► Twelve new avian hosts for Cryptosporidium were identified.