Cryptosporidiosis in Lambs

A protozoan parasite which causes disease in the small intestine

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Sheep Diseases

Cryptosporidiosis in Lambs

Cryptosporidium species are minute protozoan parasites closely related to the coccidian species and are widespread globally. One major species, Cryptosporidium parvum, infects both farm animals and humans (Ryan et al., 2014). The oocysts of C. parvum are so small that their association with acute diarrhoea was never suspected until the 1970s, when specific biological staining methods confirmed their presence in the diarrhoea.
Control and Prevention
Treatment Options
Good Practice

Cryptosporidium lifecycle

C. parvum has a rapid, direct life cycle and infection occurs when viable oocysts in the environment are ingested by susceptible hosts, usually young stock under a month old.

  1. The oocysts excyst (break open) in the gut releasing four infective parasites (sporozoites)
  2. The sporozoites penetrate the cells lining the small intestine and develop just below the cell membrane
  3. Here the parasites undergo at least two stages of asexual reproduction, then differentiate into sexual forms, which fuse to form oocysts
  4. The oocysts mature on the gut wall and are shed in the faeces as fully developed, infective oocysts
  5. Cryptosporidium oocysts are infective as soon as they pass into the environment and infection soon reaches a high level and spreads very rapidly.

This cycle is completed in 3-4 days. However, autoinfection occurs as some oocysts excyst without leaving the host and oocyst shedding in young cattle has been shown to persists for 4-16 days  (Fayer et al., 1998).

The primary route of infection is by direct animal-to-animal faecal-oral route. In lambs infections appears to be age related with seasonal peaks of disease reported to coincide with birth peaks in spring and autumn (Taylor et al., 2007). Although outbreaks in lambs are sporadic, mortality can be high. C. parvum is not host-specific and is in fact the second most common cause of diarrhoea in calves in the United Kingdom. Therefore it is conceivable an environment contaminated with oocysts during an outbreak in calves can cause infection in lambs using the same premises or grazing area.

Lambs as young as 3 days old can be affected. Lambs are depressed and reluctant to suck while the diarrhoea lasts. Very young lambs soon become dehydrated and die. In poor weather conditions lambs may die of hypothermia. The illness may last for up to 10 days, and relapses after apparent recovery are common (Angus et al., 1982).

Lamb and ewe asleep

Cryptosporidium oocysts are extremely resilient. Providing ample clean bedding, and disposing of used bedding should help minimize the risk of infection.

Control and Prevention of Cryptosporidiosis in Lambs

In the face of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in lambs there is little that can be done other than to isolate affected stock, avoiding overcrowding or prolonged use of contaminated areas.

The tiny, fragile looking oocysts are in fact remarkably tough, and can survive in the environment for many months. Disinfection can be achieved by steam heat or by using Oo-cide (Antec International Ltd.), an ammonia-based oocysticide, which is particularly effective against Cryptosporidium oocysts (Blewitt and Angus, 1991).

Treating Cryptosporidiosis in Lambs

As no specific ovine treatment measures are available at present, only the symptoms can be treated, by keeping lambs warm and giving rehydration therapy. However, in some cases, it is possible to use calf treatments, such as Halocur (Halofuginone lactate) off-licence under the Veterinary Medicines Directorate cascade, speak to your veterinarian for further information.

Good Practice Based on Current Knowledge

  • Provide adequate clean litter and bedding for lambs kept indoors
  • Maintain high levels of hygiene through regular replenishment of bedding, and disposal/burning of used bedding
  • If possible, disinfect lambing pens between ewes
  • Steam clean the housing area annually following turnout to grass
  • Keep feed stores secure from wildlife
  • Give sick lambs supportive therapy by oral rehydration with a proprietary electrolyte solution
  • Encourage the affected animal to drink by frequently offering it a small volume of electrolytes
  • Protect infected neonates from chilling

Remember that cryptosporidiosis is potentially a zoonotic disease and all farm staff and visitors should follow rigorous hygiene precautions

 

Cryptosporidiosis in Lambs References
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OUR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRINCIPLES:

  • Livestock should be land-based and integrated with farm cropping enterprises
  • Animals should be provided with conditions that enable them to exhibit natural behaviours
  • Dependency on veterinary medicines should be reduced without jeopardising the well-being of animals

OUR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK PRACTICES:

outdoor access

Animals having outdoor access, shade, shelter, lighting and sufficient space for them to undertake free movement and to exhibit natural behaviors.

Breed

Using breeds and strains well-suited and adapted to the prevailing conditions.

Health Plan

Implementing herd and flock planning based on sound ecological practices and epidemiological knowledge.

biosecurity

Undertaking good practice with regard to biosecurity.

closed herds

Maintaining animals in closed herds and flocks and at stocking rates that enables free-movement, reduces risks of disease spread and minimises environmental damage.

forage and grazing

Forage and grazing being the main source of nutrients for ruminants, and continuously available to non-ruminants.

production practices

Avoiding the use of mutilations as standard production practices.

Antibiotics

Improved understanding and responsible usage of veterinary medicines.