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Distribution of Cryptosporidium species in sheep in the UK

Doris Mueller-Doblies1, Michaela Giles, Kristin Elwin

  • 1Food and Environmental Safety Department, Veterinary Laboratories Agency Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom. d.mueller-doblies@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk <d.mueller-doblies@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk>

Veterinary Parasitology
|May 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant cause of diarrhea in UK lambs and is widespread in sheep flocks. Sheep, especially young lambs, remain a potential source of Cryptosporidium parvum infection for humans.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on Cryptosporidium distribution in sheep.
  • The zoonotic potential of sheep-associated Cryptosporidium is debated due to inconsistent findings of human pathogens like Cryptosporidium parvum.
  • Understanding Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in sheep is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution and genotypes of Cryptosporidium in UK sheep.
  • To assess the role of sheep, particularly lambs, as a reservoir for human Cryptosporidium infections.
  • To determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum and other species in different sheep populations.

Main Methods:

  • Reactive sampling of sheep flocks linked to human cryptosporidiosis cases.
  • Investigation of neonatal lamb cryptosporidiosis.
  • Screening of lambs at an open farm.
  • Species and genotype identification of Cryptosporidium isolates.

Main Results:

  • Cryptosporidium parvum was the predominant species in neonatal lamb diarrhea and in flocks associated with human cases.
  • Cryptosporidium bovis was identified in reactive sampling, but less frequently than C. parvum.
  • Cryptosporidium bovis and the cervine genotype were detected in lambs from an open farm screening program.
  • The study confirms C. parvum's importance in lamb health and its widespread presence in UK sheep.

Conclusions:

  • Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant pathogen in UK neonatal lambs and is prevalent in sheep flocks.
  • Sheep, particularly young lambs, represent a viable source of Cryptosporidium parvum for human transmission.
  • Ongoing surveillance and control measures are necessary to mitigate zoonotic transmission risks.

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