The two most common parasites of cattle, sheep and pigs are giardia and cryptosporidium . These protozoan pathogens can also infect humans. The prevalence of giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis in some Alberta cattle has been shown to be as high as 43 per cent in veterinary surveys. This can cause scours in calves and reduced weight gain. At the moment there is no effective vaccine and only giardiasis can be treated.
Calves are most susceptible, but some older animals become carriers.
Wild animals such as beaver and muskrat can also become infected, as can humans if they drink unfiltered water. Giardia and cryptosporidium are resistant to water treatment and simple chlorination will not kill them. On the human side Avoiding contamination of water supplies is a must and proper treatment of surface water and shollow groundwater supplies is necessary to make water potable. Coagulation followed by different types of filtration are especially effective in removing parasites. Good hygiene, effective in-house treatment and proper waste management will pay off in better health.