Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in Cattle in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria: Associated drivers and public health challenge

Abstract This study was undertaken to detect and identify the oocysts of Cryptosporidium and determine its prevalence using cattle feces in the FCT, Nigeria. A total of 400 Cattle fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium oocysts using Safranin-Methylene Blue (SMB) staining technique. Cryptosporidium Oocysts were detected in 17.8% (71/400) of the samples. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle was highest (32.4%, 22/68) in the Gwagwalada Area Council. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Area Councils of the sampled cattle in the FCT (X2 = 16.55; p = 0.005). The questionnaire surveyed variables include cattle breed, age, sex, source of cattle drinking water, consistency of feces, size of herd, and herd management practices. Age, consistency of feces, breed, management practices and size of herd were all associated with prevalence of Cryptosporidium (P < 0.05) in the sampled cattle in FCT. Sex was not associated (P > 0.05) with prevalence of Cryptosporidium This study demonstrated a widespread infection of cattle with Cryptosporidium in the FCT. It is hoped that the outcome of this study would facilitate laboratories to make timely communication of the parasitic infection to the public health authorities for effective control measures.