Criptosporidiose Neonatal em Vitelos: Estudo Epidemiológico e Molecular no distrito de Portalegre

Abstract

Bovine cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium, with Cryptosporidium parvum being an important agent of neonatal diarrhoea in calves. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in calves under one month of age from cattle farms in the district of Portalegre, Portugal, and to molecularly identify the species involved. Between February and May 2024, 55 faecal samples were collected from calves originating from 14 beef and dairy farms. Samples were analysed using parasitological methods and Ziehl–Neelsen staining, direct immunofluorescence and PCR. The overall prevalence of infection was 47% (26/55). Molecular analysis confirmed the predominance of C. parvum, while one sample was identified as C. bovis. These findings demonstrate the widespread occurrence of this parasite in cattle farms from the Alto Alentejo region and reinforce the importance of prophylactic measures and good management practices to reduce transmission.