Abstract

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 non-diarrheic 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.

Key words: Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., diarrhea, calves, cows, Algeria.