Title : ( Cryptosporidial Diarrhea in Neonatal Lambs: A Clinical Investigation in an Industrial Flock in Iran )
Authors: Mohadese Loukhi , Gholam Reza Mohammadi ,
Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a protozoan infection that causes severe diarrhea in young ruminants. In sheep production systems, especially under industrial conditions, cryptosporidial diarrhea can lead to high neonatal mortality and substantial financial loss. This study investigates an outbreak of cryptosporidial diarrhea in a neonatal lamb population within a large commercial unit, focusing on clinical signs, pathogen identification, environmental factors, and control measures. Methods Clinical and environmental assessments were conducted at the affected site. Fecal and umbilical samples were collected from lambs between 5 and 10 days old, and analyzed using flotation techniques and bacterial culture. Management practices were simultaneously evaluated to identify risk factors. Results: Clinical observations included watery yellow diarrhea, dehydration, and inflamed navels. Parasitological analysis confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, while bacteriology revealed Klebsiella spp. Environmental factors such as damp bedding and poor disinfection practices were conducive to disease spread. Supportive fluid therapy and improved hygiene protocols were implemented as part of outbreak control. No curative treatment for cryptosporidiosis was available, but the use of disinfectants such as formalin and ammonia showed environmental efficacy. Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis, compounded by bacterial co-infections like Klebsiella, is a serious threat to neonatal lamb health in intensive production systems. An integrated approach that includes early detection, environmental management, effective colostrum intake, and staff training is essential. Given the zoonotic nature of Cryptosporidium, biosecurity measures for farm personnel are also critical.
Keywords
, Cryptosporidium parvum, lamb diarrhea, Klebsiella, neonatal infection, colostrum, zoonosis@inproceedings{paperid:1103940,
author = {Loukhi, Mohadese and Mohammadi, Gholam Reza},
title = {Cryptosporidial Diarrhea in Neonatal Lambs: A Clinical Investigation in an Industrial Flock in Iran},
booktitle = {The Third National Congress on Animal Parasitic Diseases and Parasites Common to Humans and Animals},
year = {2025},
location = {مشهد, IRAN},
keywords = {Cryptosporidium parvum; lamb diarrhea; Klebsiella; neonatal infection; colostrum; zoonosis},
}
%0 Conference Proceedings
%T Cryptosporidial Diarrhea in Neonatal Lambs: A Clinical Investigation in an Industrial Flock in Iran
%A Loukhi, Mohadese
%A Mohammadi, Gholam Reza
%J The Third National Congress on Animal Parasitic Diseases and Parasites Common to Humans and Animals
%D 2025