Cryptosporidiosis – Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Michelle Arnold, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory What is “cryptosporidiosis”? Cryptosporidiosis, also known as “crypto”, is a disease primarily seen in calves due to a protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum or C. parvum for short. In its “clinical” or visible form, calves have profuse, watery diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and death. It generally affects calves from newborns up to 6 weeks of age but older animals may be asymptomatic shedders. There are no effective treatments or…