which viral diseases infect cows
Answers
Cyrptosporidium is a protozoal parasite that causes diarrhea. Most animals can be infected with Cryptosporidium, but clinical signs are most commonly observed in calves less than 1 month old. Infected animals shed the organism in their feces, contaminating the environment. Cryptosporidium can then be ingested from infected food or water. Humans are infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the organism or by failing to wash their hands after exposure to infective feces or animals. Most people who are infected do not become sick. For those individuals that show clinical signs, explosive diarrhea and abdominal pain are common. Vomiting, fever, and muscle cramps may also occur. Young children, pregnant women, and immune compromised adults are most severely affected. Calves with diarrhea should be separated from healthy ones, and the infected area disinfected with bleach. Prevention efforts in humans focus on hand washing, especially after handling or being around animals and before eating or handling food.