Update on the role of cryptosporidiosis in calf diarrhoea

The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum is increasingly being recognised as the primary cause of diarrhoea in young calves in the UK, with peak prevalence of clinical disease and intensity of oocyst shedding at 1 to 3 weeks of age. There are limited safe and effective therapeutic options that specifically treat, or prevent, cryptosporidiosis. Control on farms should be directed towards management strategies that minimise within- and between-farm transmission of the parasite. These include regular, appropriate disinfection and hygiene measures to reduce contamination of the environment and optimising calf health by a proactive approach to colostrum management and control of other enteropathogens