Eimeria species in dairy and beef cattle of different ages in Goiás state, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the frequency of occurrence of Eimeria species in Holstein (taurine dairy cattle) and Nelore (zebu beef cattle) on 12 farms in the state of Goiás, Brazil. A total of 2,601 animals were evaluated, and the cattle were divided into the following age-group categories: up to three months old, four to eight months old, nine to 16 months old and cows. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of all animals. None of the cattle presented any clinical signs of eimeriosis during the survey. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that higher rates of infection by Eimeria spp. were observed in Holstein cattle between the 1st and 16 th months of age and in Nelore cattle between the 1st and 8th months of age. Twelve and nine Eimeria species were diagnosed in Holstein and Nelore cattle, respectively. However, Eimeria zuernii was more prevalent in animals up to three months old, while Eimeria bovis was more common in the remaining categories (cattle aged four months and over). Future studies on the epidemiology and/or seasonality of infection by Eimeria species in cattle, from birth onwards, are needed in order to better understand the dynamics of E. zuernii and E. bovis occurrences, especially in cattle under three months of age.

Prevalence and risk factors for agents causing diarrhea (Coronavirus, Rotavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and nematodes helminthes) according to age in dairy calves from Brazil

“…and is later than that found in this work for Coronavirus (< 10 days), Rotavirus (> 8 days), Cryptosporidium (> 6 days), and diarrhea (< 21 days) occurrence in calves. A work published by Cruvinel et al (2018b) reinforces the inference described above for Eimeria spp., since these investigators observed an outbreak of E. zuernii, exhibiting bloody diarrhea and animal mortality, in beef cattle with an average age of 45 days. It is important to emphasize that in this research, unlike the results found by Cruvinel et al (2018b), it was not possible to verify a relationship between Eimeria spp.…”

“…compared with animals that received water from artesian wells (P < 0.0001). The previously mentioned research of consecutive outbreaks by E. zuernii in calves, published by Cruvinel et al (2018b), also describes such similarity, indicating that water from rivers, streams, and ponds is more easily contaminated by feces/oocysts of Eimeria spp. than water from artesian wells.…”

A 10-Year Surveillance of Eimeria spp. in Cattle and Buffaloes in a Mediterranean Area

“…The most prevalent species of Eimeria found in this study were E. bovis (67.9%), E. ellipsoidalis (39.1%), E. cylindrica (31.8%), and E. zuernii (30.3%) in cattle. These species were widespread also in other countries ( 8 , 12 , 36 , 43 , 44 ), while some species, such as E. pellita, E. bukidonensis , and E. brasiliensis ( 7 , 8 , 12 , 43 , 44 ), were not found in our study. In water buffaloes, E. ellipsoidalis was the most prevalent (36.3%) species, followed by E. auburnensis (26.7%), E. bovis (22.3%), and E. zuernii (18.2%); in addition, E. bareillyi , the buffalo host-specific species, showed a prevalence of 12.3%.…”

“…More than 20 Eimeria species are described in cattle ( 8 ), and among them, 12 species can affect also water buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) ( 9 , 10 ) although coccidia are usually host-specific parasites. E. zuernii, E. bovis , and E. auburnensis are the most pathogenic species in both hosts worldwide ( 11 , 12 ), while E. bareillyi is a pathogenic species specific only for water buffaloes ( 13 ).…”

Standardization of molecular techniques for the detection and characterization of intestinal protozoa and other pathogens in humans

“…On the other hand, finding Eimeria spp. in sediment samples of fruits or vegetables for human consumption could mean the use of chicken manure [ 67 ], bovine [ 68 ] or equine manure [ 69 ], between others, as compost to fertilize vegetable or fruit crops, or the use of water contaminated with animal feces. Therefore, it would be important to identify the species to be able to identify the origin of this protozoan.…”