Study of Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. infections in dairy cattle in Algeria

The prevalence of Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp and Eimeria spp. in dairy cattle was studied on sixteen farms in three regions at north-eastern Algeria. 690 fecal samples were collected (330 cows and 360 calves aged 1 day to 12 months), were processed by a concentration technique (to examine them for Giardia spp. cysts and Eimeria spp. oocysts), followed by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining to examine them for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. were reported in 50.75 and 62.5% of all farms, respectively. The prevalence of Giardia spp. in calves and adults was 14.72 and 11.81%, respectively with a high level in calves aged 4 to 12 months compared to other age groups (p < 0.05). Cryptosporidium spp. was observed principally in calves 4 to 30 days old compared to other classes age of calves (p < 0.01) and the overall prevalence was 26.11% in calves and 18.78% in adults. Eimeria spp. oocysts were excreted by 12.77% of the calves and 4.54% of adults. Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected more frequently in diarrheic calves than in nondiarrheic calves (p < 0.01). The results demonstrated the presence of these parasites in various age groups of dairy cattle in Algeria which could have important economic and welfare implications.