Epidemiological Studies on Cryptosporidium and Rotavirus Infection in Livestock in the State of Kuwait

-

Cryptosporidium and rotavirus are enteric pathogens that damage the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract of animals causing scours, which sometimes can be fatal, particularly in new-borns and pre-weaned animals. As there are no effective treatment, infection of livestock with these pathogens may have an important impact on farmers and owners. In addition, they are of importance to public health and call the attention of health officials to zoonotic diseases. In poultry, Cryptosporidiosis manifests itself in two clinical forms, respiratory and intestinal disease. Infection of birds with this disease could lead to economic losses. In some instances, poultry may be a source of infection to humans. In Kuwait, little information is available on the epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis in farm animal and no studies have been conducted in poultry. Also rotavirus infection has not been investigated in small ruminants and horses. The main objectives of this research are: (i) to estimate prevalence, intensity and seasonality of Cryptosporidiosis and rotavirus infection in livestock, including farm animals and poultry; (ii) to inform about the risk that infected livestock which may pose on public health; (iii) to record data on management policies which are hypothesized to be associated with Cryptosporidium and rotavirus infections. The proposed study will include 4 major tasks, namely, mobilization and preparation for work plan, collection of data and faecal/serum samples from farm animal herds, testing samples for Cryptosporidium and rotavirus and interpretation of the results and data based on statistical analysis in order to provide information on prevalence, intensity and seasonality of Cryptosporidiosis/ rotavirus infection in livestock as well as on the relationship between management, demographic factors and infection with Cryptosporidium and rotavirus. Farms/animal herds will be visited to collect data and faecal samples from cattle, sheep, goats, camels and horses to be tested for Cryptosporidium oocysts using microscopic, immunologic and molecular techniques. Faecal samples from sheep, goats and horses will be also tested for rotavirus antigen. In addition, serum samples from sheep and goats will be tested for antibodies against rotavirus. Sample size of each animal species is estimated according to the animal population in Kuwait: 381 from cattle, 384 from sheep, 384 from goats, 371 from camels, 341 from horses and 385 from poultry in farms and kept under intensive system. In addition 10% of each flock of poultry, which are kept under extensive (free range) system, will be sampled as their population is unknown. To establish programs for control of Cryptosporidiosis and rotavirus infection in livestock, it is necessary to have data on the epidemiology of these diseases including prevalence, seasonality, geographical distribution and factors, which facilitate their transmission. In the light of the results of this study and the information gained, recommendations can be given to owners to help them to protect their animals from infection with Cryptosporidium and rotavirus using proper management policies and hygienic measures.