Study in the prevalence of cryptosporidium species in sheep and goats in Baghdad City, Iraq

In this study was aimed to microscopically identify and determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in sheep and goats in the city of Baghdad during October-November 2020. For this purpose, one hundred and twenty stool samples were collected from 60 sheep and 60 goats. Samples were collected from animals of different ages and sexes. It was examined microscopically using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for the detection of parasite species. In this study, two species of Cryptosporidium were detected in sheep and goats; these species are Cryptosporidium parvum and C. andersoni, according to its size measured by ocular lens. The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp in sheep and goats was determined as 40% and 33.33%, respectively. In sheep, according to age groups, the highest infection rate was recorded in lambs ≤6 months of age (65%), and the lowest infection rate (20%) was recorded in the 12-24 months age group. According to gender, Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 56.66% of the teeth and 23.33% of the men. According to gender, this difference was statistically significant (p≤0.01.In goats, the highest infection rate was found at >6 months of age, 50%, and the lowest rate at >12-24 months of age. According to gender, Cryptosporidium spp was identified in 16.66% of the teeth and 50% of the men. According to gender, this difference was statistically significant (p≤0.05). 2021, …… pages Keywords: Cryptosporidium Spp. Prevalence, Sheep and Goats, Iraq