SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF PIGLET INVASION BY CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM UNDER CONDITIONS OF INDUSTRIAL PIG FARMING IN VOLOGDA REGION

• Main Authors: A. S. Novikov, A. L. Kryazhev
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Federal Scientific Centre VIEV 2016-05-01
• Series: Российский паразитологический журнал
• Subjects: cryptosporidiosis; piglets; oocysts; epizootology; vologda region; cryptosporidium parvum
• Online Access: https://vniigis.elpub.ru/jour/article/view/186

Objective of research: the purpose of this research is to study the infestation of young pigs by Cr. parvum in Vologda region depending on the season. Materials and methods: Seasonal dynamics of piglet invasion by cryptosporidia were studied during 2014 on the basis of two big pig farm complexes in Vologda and Cherepovetsk districts of Vologda region. Faeces from pigs up to one month of age mostly with clinical signs of diarrhea of varying severity were investigated on a monthly basis. Groups were formed out of experimental pigs (20–25 head in each) selected in each farm by the analogue principle. In total 282 pigs were examined. The faecal examination was performed using the direct smear method with the following Ziehl–Neelsen stain, also known as the acid-fast stain.  Results and discussion: The research reveals that the diagnosis of pig cryptosporidiosis was confirmed for both experimental pig farms. Piglets were infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts during all seasons of the year. The extensity of Cryptosporidium infection in different months varied within 30,4 – 62,5 %. The total infestation by C. parvum was 45,7 %. When studying the effect of seasonality on cryptosporidiosis infestation of young pigs, it was found that in all seasons Cryptosporidium infection was registered in approximately equal number of animals at the age up to one month. The significant increase in extensity and intensity of infection was observed in autumn and spring.