Association between management practices and within-herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum shedding on dairy farms in southern Ontario

Prev Vet Med. 2008 Jan 1;83(1):11-23. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2007.03.001. Epub 2007 May 3.

Abstract

To identify management practices associated with an increased within-herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum shedding on dairy farms in southern Ontario, fecal samples were taken from 1089 calves aged 7-28 days, from 119 herds. Information on management practices was obtained by administering a questionnaire compiled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable negative binomial regression. Overall, 30% of the calves in the study were shedding C. parvum oocysts, with at least one positive calf detected in 77% of herds. Within-herd prevalence ranged from 0 to 80%. Predictors significantly associated with an increased prevalence of shedding in multivariable modelling were the use of calf scour prophylaxis in cows (risk ratio [RR] 1.70, P<0.01) and calves (RR 1.38, P=0.02) and the feeding of milk replacer in the first week of life (RR 1.40, P=0.02). In contrast, the presence of concrete flooring in calf housing areas (RR 0.59, P<0.01) and the use of soap or detergent when washing calf feeding utensils (RR 0.61, P<0.01) appeared to be protective.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cattle Diseases / etiology
  • Cattle Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology
  • Cryptosporidiosis / veterinary*
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / isolation & purification*
  • Dairying
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires