**8. Giardiasis**

#### **8.1 Etiology**

Giardiasis is the infection caused by the flagellate intestinal protozoan, Giardia intestinalis, which is also known as G. duodenalis, or G. lamblia. Infection occur in a wide range of domestic and wild animals and also humans. G. intestinalis is a potential pathogen in livestock, causing diarrhea, weight loss, poor condition and lethargy (Hunter and Thompson, 2005). The parasite is a noninvasive and colonizes the mucosal surface of the small intestine.

The Giardia specie is shown in table 9.


Table 9. Giardiasis

490 A Bird's-Eye View of Veterinary Medicine

Infections that caused by Cryptosporidium andersoni, are usually asymptomatic, although depressed weight gain in calves and milk yields in milking cows have been reported (Taylor

In Cryptosporidium parvum infections, clinical signs are characterised by anorexia, depression, weight loss, diarrhea, dehydration, high morbidity and possibly death because of dehydration. Cryptosporidium parvum can cause diarrhea in calves 5to15, and in lambs and kids 5to10 days of age (Navarre and Pugh, 2002; Radostits et al., 2008). Relapses of diarrhea are quite common, and Cryptosporidium parvum usually occurs as a component

Oocysts can be detected using Ziehl-Nielsen stained fecal smears Cryptosporidia can be diagnosed by fecal flotation. A number of molecular and immunological assays are available for diagnosis for example immunofluorescence (IF) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease, and human can become infected from handling

There is no effective drug for treatment of cryptosporidiosis in ruminants (Navarre and

Halofuginone has efficacy in calves with diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium parvum. Halofuginone is reported to reduce oocyst shedding and the intensity of diarrhea. Oral dose

Decoquinate, 2.5 mg/ kg, can be effective in prevention of cryptosporidiosis in kids and

Cryptosporidiosis in young animals should be treated with fluid therapy and correction of

The control of disease is based on the minimize transmission between the source of the organism and young animals. During the course of the diarrhea, diarrheic young animals should be isolated from healthy animals (Radostits et al., 2008). The best control of cryptosporidiosis comes from calves, lambs, and kids getting adequate immunity through

Giardiasis is the infection caused by the flagellate intestinal protozoan, Giardia intestinalis, which is also known as G. duodenalis, or G. lamblia. Infection occur in a wide range of domestic and wild animals and also humans. G. intestinalis is a potential pathogen in

of 0.1mg / kg BW daily for 7 days can reduce oocyte excretion (Klein, 2008).

**7.4 Clinical findings** 

of mixed infections (Navarre and Pugh, 2002).

goats (Navarre and Pugh, 2002; Matthews, 2009).

assays (ELISA) (Taylor et al., 2007).

infected animals or feces.

**7.6 Treatment and control** 

acid-base disturbance.

colostrum after birth.

**8. Giardiasis 8.1 Etiology** 

et al., 2007).

**7.5 Diagnosis** 

Pugh, 2002).

Fig. 9. Giardia spp. trophozoit, lamb, Giemsa staining, immersion objective
