A seven-year study on the prevalence and inten­sity of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in dairy cattle in Latvia: regional and age-related variations

This study investigates the prevalence and intensity of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in dairy cattle across Latvia, focusing on regional and age-related variations. Over the period from 2013 to 2020, fecal samples from 2,655 dairy cattle were analyzed us­ing Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique and flotation methods. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was found to be 27%, with significant regional differences, the highest prevalence observed in the Vidzeme region (31%) and the highest oocyst counts in the Kurzeme region (median = 600 OPG). Age-related susceptibility was evident, with calves aged 0 to 3 months showing the highest infection rates (39.4%) and oocyst counts (median = 800 OPG). Diarrhea was significantly more common in infected calves (56.6%) compared to older cattle. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in young calves and region-specific control strategies to mitigate the impact of cryptosporidiosis on the dairy industry. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the epidemi­ology of Cryptosporidium spp. in Latvian dairy cattle, emphasizing the importance of age and regional factors in infection dynamics.