title: Destruction of bovine coccidial oocysts in simulated cattle yards by dry tropical winter weather.
abstract: Post-weaning coccidiosis occurs in dry conditions in the dry tropics of north Queensland. Despite heavy faecal contamination, oocysts are difficult to detect in cattle yards. Experiments demonstrated the destruction of Eimeria bovis, E. ellipsoidalis and E. zuernii oocysts by natural factors in simulated yard conditions. Desiccation was rapid and temperatures as high as 48 degrees C developed within yard floor material although air temperatures did not exceed 27 degrees C. Oocyst numbers fell by 50% after 24 h, by 98% after 48 h, and were undetectable after 72 h. Oocysts were seen to collapse, and no development towards sporulation was noted.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Oonoonba Veterinary Laboratory, Townsville, Australia.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003044:Coccidia / Q000502:physiology*; D003890:Desiccation; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006799:Housing, Animal; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012621:Seasons; D014329:Tropical Climate