Association between management practices and within-herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum shedding on dairy farms in southern Ontario.
To identify management practices associated with an increased within-herd prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum shedding on dairy farms in southern Ontario, fecal samples were taken from 1089 calves aged 7-28 days, from 119 herds. Information on management practices was obtained by administering a questionnaire compiled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable negative binomial regression. Overall, 30% of the calves in the study were shedding C. parvum oocysts, with at least one positive calf detected in 77% of herds. Within-herd prevalence ranged from 0 to 80%. Predictors significantly associated with an increased prevalence of shedding in multivariable modelling were the use of calf scour prophylaxis in cows (risk ratio [RR] 1.70, P<0.01) and calves (RR 1.38, P=0.02) and the feeding of milk replacer in the first week of life (RR 1.40, P=0.02). In contrast, the presence of concrete flooring in calf housing areas (RR 0.59, P<0.01) and the use of soap or detergent when washing calf feeding utensils (RR 0.61, P<0.01) appeared to be protective.
Trotz-Williams
Lise A
LA
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada. ltrotzwi@uoguelph.ca
Martin
S Wayne
SW
Leslie
Kenneth E
KE
Duffield
Todd
T
Nydam
Daryl V
DV
Peregrine
Andrew S
AS
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003612:Dairying; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires