Is there something in the water? Identifying and addressing Cryptosporidium in sheep.

Cryptosporidium is a group of parasites which infect the gastrointestinal tracts of numerous species, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses and deer, but can also have an impact on human health. Reducing the incidence of cryptosporidium in livestock can therefore have a twofold advantage, improving animal health and productivity and reducing contamination of the environment, leading to a reduction in human health risks.

There is still a low level of understanding regarding the persistence, transmission routes, and management options available regarding cryptosporidium in sheep. Typically, infection presents as high lamb mortality under one month of age and ill thrift of lambs. The scale of production losses to the sheep industry as a result of cryptosporidium is unknown.

Four farmers in Powys have identified cryptosporidium in calves and lambs on their farms in previous years and are now undertaking a two year project to determine the prevalence and sources of the parasite on their farms. They hope to increase their understanding of the pathways by which it is transmitted among sheep and also identify measures they can take to control and prevent the disease in sheep. 

Project details

Funding amount:
£39,960
Funding source:
EIP
Area:
Powys
Completion:

Contact:

Name:
Helen Ovens
Email project contact

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