Global Cryptosporidium Loads from Livestock Manure
Lucie C Vermeulen1, Jorien Benders1, Gertjan Medema2,3
1Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University , P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Environmental Science & Technology
|June 28, 2017
Summary
Livestock manure globally releases 3.2 × 10^23 Cryptosporidium oocysts annually. Manure treatment, especially for cattle at high temperatures, significantly reduces oocyst loads more than storage.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Veterinary parasitology
- One Health
Background:
- Cryptosporidium oocysts in livestock manure pose environmental and health risks.
- Understanding global Cryptosporidium spp. environmental pathways is crucial for disease management.
- Livestock are significant sources of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify global Cryptosporidium spp. loads from livestock manure.
- To assess the impact of manure management practices on oocyst loads.
- To identify regions with high oocyst load reduction potential.
Main Methods:
- Spatially explicit process-based modeling (GloWPa-Crypto L1).
- Global-scale quantification of Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst loads from manure.
- Scenario analysis of manure storage and treatment effects.
Main Results:
- Global livestock manure yields 3.2 × 10^23 Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts annually.
- Cattle, chickens, and pigs are primary contributors, with significant loads in developing nations.
- Manure treatment, particularly at elevated temperatures, offers substantial oocyst load reduction (up to 4.6 log units).
Conclusions:
- Livestock manure is a major global source of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts.
- Manure treatment presents a high potential for reducing oocyst loads compared to storage.
- Targeted manure management strategies are essential for mitigating environmental Cryptosporidium contamination.
