Abstract

This study was undertaken to undertaken to assess the Cryptosporidium burden in cattle in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. A total of 400 cattle fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium oocysts using Safranin-Methylene Blue staining technique. A questionnaire was used to analyze the possible factors driving the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in the study area. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 17.8% (71/400). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle was highest (32.4%, 22/68) in the Gwagwalada Area Council and lowest (12.1%, 8/66) in AMAC. There was a significant difference in prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle in the Area Councils (P= 0.010 < 0.005). There was a statistical difference in prevalence of Cryptosporidium and age, consistency of feces, breed, management practices and size of herd of cattle (P < 0.05) in the study area. There was no significant difference in sex and prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in the study area (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated a widespread prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in Federal Capital Territory. More worrisome is their prevalence in asymptomatic cattle as reservoirs that may sustain zoonotic cycle of transmission in the humans.