Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium ryanae, and Cryptosporidium bovis in samples from calves in Austria

Cryptosporidium and agriculture: A review

Cryptosporidiosis is a significant contributor to global foodborne and waterborne disease burden. It is a widespread cause of diarrheal diseases that affect humans and animals worldwide. Agricultural environments can become a source of contamination with Cryptosporidium species through faecal material derived from humans and animals. This review aims to report the main findings of scientific research on Cryptosporidium species related to various agricultural sectors, and highlights the risks of cryptosporidiosis in agricultural production, the contamination sources, the importance of animal production in transmission, and the role of farmed animals as hosts of the parasites. Agricultural contamination sources can cause water pollution in groundwater and different surface waters used for drinking, recreational purposes, and irrigation. The application of contaminated manure, faecal sludge management, and irrigation with inadequately treated water are the main concerns associated with foodborne and waterborne cryptosporidiosis related to agricultural activities. The review emphasizes the public health implications of agriculture concerning the transmission risk of Cryptosporidium parasites and the urgent need for a new concept in the agriculture sector. Furthermore, the findings of this review provide valuable information for developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection.

Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy calves in Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Portugal

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, infecting a wide range of hosts with some zoonotic species. Calves have been identified as one of the most common reservoirs of this parasite. However, little is known about the genetics of Cryptosporidium in calves in Portugal. This study aimed to molecularly characterize infections of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned calves from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley (LTV) in Portugal. Fifty-two samples were collected from calves from eight dairy and two beef farms in LTV, Portugal. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN) and direct immunofluorescent assay (DFA). MZN and DFA revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 40.4% (21/52) and 67.3% (35/52) samples, respectively. Positive samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP of the 18 s rRNA gene for species identification. DNA amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was successful for 88.6% (31/35) of samples. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 96.8% (30/31) of the samples, and from one sample Cryptosporidium bovis was identified. Cryptosporidium parvum positive samples were subtyped by sequencing the PCR product of a partial fragment of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Subtype analysis of the C. parvum isolates revealed that all isolates belonged to subtype family IIa. Four subtypes were recognized within this subtype family, including the hyper-transmissible IIaA15G2R1 subtype that is the most frequently reported worldwide (27/30), IIaA14G2R1 (1/30), IIaA16G2R1 (1/30) and IIaA19G2R1 (1/30). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. bovis, and C. parvum subtypes IIaA14G2R1 and IIaA19G2R1 in cattle in LTV, Portugal. The presence of the zoonotic C. parvum subtype in this study suggests that pre-weaned calves are likely to be a significant reservoir of zoonotic C. parvum, highlighting the importance of animal-to-human infection transmission risk. Further molecular studies are required to better understand the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Portugal.

Cryptosporidium infections in asymptomatic calves up to 4 months in Poland: a cross-sectional population study

Cattle cryptosporidiosis is noted worldwide with varied frequency of infection prevalence depending on geographical, environmental and husbandry factors. In this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle was determined on the basis of molecular results obtained by testing 1601 faecal samples collected from calves up to 4 months of age housed in all Polish provinces from 2014 to 2018. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) locus by conducting PCR-RFLP analysis of the amplified DNA fragments. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in the cattle population was 45.3% (CI 95%: 42.8-47.7; 725/1601). The infected animals were housed on 233/267 (87.3%) of monitored farms with regional prevalence ranging from 27.8 to 62%. The restriction pattern of 18S rRNA amplicons for positive samples was characteristic of C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and unexpectedly also of C. baileyi and C. suis. Infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae prevailed in the studied cattle population relegating C. parvum to third in prevalence. Likewise, mixed infections caused by C. bovis and C. ryanae as well as C. parvum and C. bovis were observed. A relationship between the infecting parasite species and animal breed was found. For instance, C. parvum prevailed in Black and White lowland breed, C. ryanae in Limousine cattle and C. andersoni in dairy animals of mixed dairy breeds. Furthermore, differences in prevalence of particular parasite species between cattle breeds were also shown.

Parasites and zoonotic bacteria in the feces of cats and dogs from animal shelters in Carinthia, Austria

Due to their close associations with humans, dogs and cats can be important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. In the current study 200 fecal samples of dogs (n = 70 samples) and cats (n = 130 samples) from animal shelters in Carinthia, southern Austria, were examined for the presence of parasites (fecal flotation and larval migration assay) and selected bacteria. Overall, 17.1% of the canine and 38.5% of the feline samples were positive for parasites (p < 0.001), most commonly Giardia duodenalis (dogs and cats), including potentially zoonotic genotypes revealed by multilocus genotyping, and Toxocara cati (cats). Cryptosporidium (C. felis), Cystoisospora spp. (dogs and cats), hookworms (dog), Trichuris (dog) Capillaria hepatica (cats), taeniids (cat), and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (cat) were also found. Zoonotic bacteria were detected in 10.5% of the samples, Salmonella enterica (dogs), Campylobacter jejuni (dogs and cats) and Yersinia enterocolitica (cat) and were significantly associated with parasite infections in cats but not in dogs. Samples that were positive for several pathogens were common; especially G. duodenalis and T. cati were frequently found in association with each other, other parasites or bacteria. The spectrum of detected pathogens is comparable to that of other dog and cat populations in central Europe. However, since animals from shelters are frequently rehomed, diagnostic measures, appropriate hygiene and therapy as well as training of shelter staff are recommended to prevent zoonotic transmission of enteropathogens to staff or new owners. The presence of heteroxenic parasites, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Taenia taeniaeformis, and spurious excretion of Ca. hepatica in cats, indicates that these animals preyed on intermediate hosts, and that biosafety measures in pet shelters need to be evaluated for their efficacy in the prevention of pathogen transmission.

The First Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum Virus-1 (CSpV1) in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Calves in Korea

Cryptosporidium is an obligate coccidian parasite that causes enteric diseases in bovine species. A double-stranded RNA virus associated with C. parvum oocysts, Cryptosporidium parvum virus-1 (CSpV1), has been characterized. However, the relationship between the abovementioned coccidian parasite and the virus has not been studied in the context of the known clinical outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and molecular traits of CSpV1 in diarrheal feces of Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) calves. Of the 140 fecal samples previously tested for C. parvum, which were obtained from Hanwoo calves aged 60 days, 70 tested positive and 70 tested negative. These samples were included in this study. By using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis targeting the RdRp gene of CSpV1, we detected CSpV1 in 28 samples (20.0%), with infection rates of 31.4% (22/70) in C. parvum-positive and 8.6% (6/70) in C. parvum-negative samples. CSpV1 samples detected in the same farm were clustered together. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence and molecular characteristics of CSpV1 in Hanwoo calves in the Republic of Korea, providing important insights into the relationship between C. parvum and CSpV1 in bovine hosts.

Dynamics of protozoal excretion in the faeces of calves during the first 28 days after arrival at the fattening farm indicate infection before regrouping and show poor temporal correlation with diarrhoea

BACKGROUND

Calves in dairy cattle production in Switzerland are transported to a fattening farm at the age of 3-5 weeks, and frequently suffer from diarrhoea within the first 14 days after arrival. To characterise the role of intestinal protozoa in this, we investigated the excretion dynamics of Eimeria, Cryptosporidium and Giardia during the first 28 days after the arrival and regrouping of calves at fattening farms.

METHODS

A total of 610 faecal samples from 122 calves (mean age 37.3 days; mean body weight 79.8 kg) were collected on seven different fattening farms during the first 28 days after the arrival and regrouping of the animals. The farms were visited between January and April (cold season; n = 4) and between June and August (warm season; n = 3). The samples were collected rectally on days 1, 4, 7, 14 and 28, assessed for consistency, and analysed using the McMaster method for quantitative determination of the number of Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG), flotation for morphological differentiation of the unsporulated Eimeria oocysts, a concentration method for the semi-quantitative determination of Giardia cysts, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for semi-quantitative determination of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

RESULTS

Overall, 50.8% (62/122) of the animals had diarrhoea during the study period. However, the faecal excretion of protozoal pathogens was neither associated with diarrhoea nor with body weight gain of the animals. Altogether, 90.2% (110/122) of the calves were Eimeria positive. Eimeria zuernii was excreted by 51 (41.8%) and Eimeria bovis by 68 (55.7%) animals. In the warm season more animals tested positive for Eimeria and OPGs were higher than in the cold season. There was no correlation between the age of the calves and the OPG values. Overall, 64.8% (79/122) of the calves excreted Eimeria oocysts within the first 7 days, indicating that they had been infected with the parasite on the dairy farm of origin. Eighty-nine calves (73.0%) excreted Giardia cysts, with more positive animals in the cold (80.3%) compared with the warm season (64.3%). Only Giardia duodenalis assemblage E was identified. Cryptosporidium oocysts were microscopically detected in 14 animals (11.5%) on five farms. Cryptosporidium spp. were present in a total of 12 animals, i.e. Cryptosporidium parvum in nine, Cryptosporidium ryanae in two, and Cryptosporidium bovis in one animal.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the temporal dynamics of protozoal infections in calves is helpful for the implementation of appropriate measures to protect the health of these animals at a critical phase in their lives. Our results indicate that factors other than those examined in the present study contributed to the onset of diarrhoea in the calves.

Cryptosporidium parvum and gp60 genotype prevalence in dairy calves worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium is a significant zoonotic pathogen that often occurs in dairy cattle. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in dairy calves worldwide to help improve global animal husbandry and public policy implementation. Published articles were obtained from PubMed and Web of Science from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2021. The prevalence of C. parvum infection in dairy calves was estimated using a random effects model, and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression. In total, 118 datasets were included in the final quantitative analysis. The results showed that the global prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves was 21.9% (7755/42,890; 95% confidence interval: 19.9-23.9%). C. parvum infection was high in pre-weaned dairy calves (24.9%, 6706/29,753) and diarrhea dairy calves (33.6%, 1637/6077). In countries with low dairy stocking density (<10 cows/farm), the prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves was also relatively low (15.2%, 1960/16,584). Three subtype families [IIa (72.2%, 2293/3177), IId (27.4%, 872/3177), and IIl (0.4%, 12/3177)] were detected in dairy calves globally from selected studies. C. parvum IIa was the dominant zoonotic subtype. In the IIa subtype family of C. parvum, the proportions of subtypes from high to low (top nine) were IIaA15G2R1 (32.4%, 742/2293), IIaA18G3R1 (11.8%, 271/2293), IIaA13G2R1 (8.2%, 187/2293), IIaA16G1R1 (6.4%, 147/2293), IIaA20G1R1 (3.5%, 81/2293), IIaA16G3R1 (3.4%, 78/2293), IIaA17G2R1 (2.7%, 62/2293), IIaA18G1R1 (2.5%, 58/2293), and IIaA15G1R1 (2.4%, 56/2293). In the IId subtype family of C. parvum, the proportions of subtypes (top four) were IIdA19G1 (36.0%, 314/872), IIdA15G1 (27.3%, 238/872), IIdA20G1 (16.2%, 141/872), and IIdA14G1 (13.0%, 113/872). Furthermore, IId is commonly found in China (771/872). The study results indicated that the IIa subtype family is globally prevalent, while IId is found in Asia, Europe, and Africa and IIl is only found in Europe. Diarrhea in dairy calves is associated with C. parvum infection and a significantly higher prevalence is observed in diarrheic calves. Age and stock density are two significant risk factors in the prevalence of C. parvum in dairy calves. The prevention and control of this zoonosis in dairy calves should receive greater attention, especially in regions with a high degree of intensive dairy farming.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.

First report of Cryptosporidium andersoni and risk factors associated with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned native Korean calves with diarrhea

Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteric protozoan parasites that infect humans and other animals throughout the world. Cryptosporidium infection in cattle industry leads to substantial economic losses due to diarrhea, growth retardation, weight loss, and possibly death. Most studies have focused on C. parvum, and studies on other Cryptosporidium spp. and calf diarrhea are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves, to determine the risk factors for Cryptosporidium spp. infection such as age and season, and to identify subtypes of C. parvum circulating in the Republic of Korea (ROK). A total of 510 fecal samples were collected from calves with diarrhea and divided by age and season. Cryptosporidium spp. were first screened using PCR targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and further the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene for subtyping of C. parvum. Out of 510 fecal samples, 71 (13.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea. C. andersoni (2.8%), C. bovis (30.9%), C. parvum (29.6%), and C. ryanae (36.6%) were identified. C. ryanae was the most predominant in calves in the ROK. Calf age was a significant risk factor for C. bovis (χ² = 13.83, P = 0.001), C. parvum (χ² = 7.57, P = 0.023), and C. ryanae (χ² = 20.18, P = 0.000) occurrence. Additionally, C. parvum was detected 3.1-fold more frequently in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in fall (95% CI: 1.23-7.81; P = 0.016) than in spring, whereas C. ryanae was 8.9-fold more frequently detected in summer (95% CI: 1.65-48.68; P = 0.011) than in spring. Three subtypes (IIaA17G4R1, IIaA18G3R1, and IIaA20G3R1) of C. parvum were identified. Of them, IIaA17G4R1 was the most common, whereas IIaA20G3R1 was not previously detected in calves in the ROK. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. andersoni in pre-weaned calves in the ROK. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. appears to be age-dependent in calves. Season had a significant effect on the occurrence of C. parvum and C. ryanae. Taken together, C. bovis and C. ryanae along with C. parvum are detected in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea and these two pathogens should not be overlooked in the diagnosis of calf diarrhea.

Diagnosis and control of cryptosporidiosis in farm animals

Cryptosporidium is a pathogenic protozoan parasite infecting the gastrointestinal epithelium of human and animal hosts. In farm animals, cryptosporidiosis causes significant economic losses including deaths in newborn animals, retarded growth, increased labor involved and high cost of drugs. The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples is traditionally dependent on examination of stained slides by light microscope or by advanced microscopical tools such as: electron microscopy and phase contrast microscopy. Immunological diagnosis using either antibody or antigen detection could offer high sensitivity and specificity. Examples for these tests are Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunochromatographic tests, Immunochromatographic lateral flow (ICLF), Immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and Flow cytometry coupled with cell sorting. Molecular methods could differentiate species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and help in studying the epidemiological features of this parasite with rapid, simple and sensitive procedures. Nanotechnology-based platforms could improve the sensitivity and specificity of other detection methods like: ELISA, ICLF, IFA and polymerase chain reaction. As the available prophylactic and therapeutic drugs or natural products treatments are insufficient and no approved vaccines are available, the best approach to control this parasite is by following firm hygienic measures. Many vaccine attempts were performed using hyperimmune colostrum, live or attenuated vaccines, recombinant and Deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines. Also, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 technology could help in Cryptosporidium genome editing to improve drug and vaccine discovery. Another approach that could be useful for assigning drug targets is metabolomics. Probiotics were also used successfully in the treatment of acute diarrhea and they proved a limiting effect on cryptosporidiosis in animal models. In addition, nanotherapy-based approaches could provide a good strategy for improving the potency of any type of drugs against Cryptosporidium and give good anti-cryptosporidial effects. In conclusion, accurate diagnosis using advanced techniques is the key to the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis.

Overview on Cryptosporidium bovis and Its Effect on Calves in Some Governorates in Egypt

The present study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium bovis in suckling and weaned cattle calves (Bubalus bubalis) from different governorates in northern, middle, and southern Egypt, such as Behera, Menofia, Qaliubiya, Assiut, and Sohag; result revealed that from the overall examined fecal samples (n = 825), the overall prevalence was 7.27%, the highest significant infection rate was in young suckling calves less than one month (8.2%), and seasonally, winter season has the highest significant level (11.24%), but sex and locality were of no significant effect on the prevalence of infection in this study. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18SSU-rRNA gene of the local bovine isolate were performed, and it was found that C. bovis genotype was highly similar to human isolate, which provoke the zoonotic transmission of bovine isolate to humans and identified as a potential source for human cryptosporidiosis infection in Egypt.

High Occurrence of Zoonotic Subtypes of Cryptosporidiumparvum in Cypriot Dairy Farms

Cryptosporidium parvum is one of the major causes of neonatal calf diarrhoea resulting in reduced farm productivity and compromised animal welfare worldwide. Livestock act as a major reservoir of this parasite, which can be transmitted to humans directly and/or indirectly, posing a public health risk. Research reports on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in ruminants from east Mediterranean countries, including Cyprus, are limited. This study is the first to explore the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle up to 24 months old on the island of Cyprus. A total of 242 faecal samples were collected from 10 dairy cattle farms in Cyprus, all of which were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. using nested-PCR amplification targeting the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene. The 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene was also sequenced for the samples identified as Cryptosporidium parvum-positive to determine the subtypes present. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 43.8% (106/242) with at least one positive isolate in each farm sampled. Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae and C. parvum were the only species identified, while the prevalence per farm ranged from 20–64%. Amongst these, the latter was the predominant species, representing 51.8% of all positive samples, followed by C. bovis (21.7%) and C. ryanae (31.1%). Five C. parvum subtypes were identified, four of which are zoonotic—IIaA14G1R1, IIaA15G1R1, IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA18G2R1. IIaA14G1R1 was the most abundant, representing 48.2% of all C. parvum positive samples, and was also the most widespread. This is the first report of zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum circulating in Cyprus. These results highlight the need for further research into the parasite focusing on its diversity, prevalence, host range and transmission dynamics on the island.

Prevalence and distribution pattern of Cryptosporidium spp. among pre-weaned diarrheic calves in the Republic of Korea

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that belong to subphylum apicomplexa and cause diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Data on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and its subtypes among calves in the Republic of Korea (KOR) are sparse. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association between the age of calf and the identified Cryptosporidium spp. and to determine the genotypes/subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in the KOR. A total of 460 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from calves aged 1−60 days and screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by the 18S rRNA gene. Species identification was determined using the sequencing analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and C. parvum-positive samples were subtyped via the sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Sequence analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene revealed the presence of three Cryptosporidium spp., namely, C. parvum (n = 72), C. ryanae (n = 12), and C. bovis (n = 2). Co-infection by these species was not observed. The infection rate was the highest in calves aged 11−20 days (26.1%, 95% CI 17.1−35.1), whereas the lowest rate was observed in calves aged 21−30 days (7.7%, 95% CI 0.0−16.1). The prevalence of C. parvum was detected exclusively in calves aged ≤20 days, and the highest infection rate of C. ryanae was seen in calves ≥31 days of age. The occurrence of C. parvum (χ² = 25.300, P = 0.000) and C. ryanae (χ² = 18.020, P = 0.001) was significantly associated with the age of the calves. Eleven different subtypes of the IIa family that belonging to C. parvum were recognized via the sequence analyses of the gp60 gene. Except for two (IIaA18G3R1 and IIaA15G2R1) subtypes, nine subtypes were first identified in calves with diarrhea in the KOR. IIaA18G3R1 was the most frequently detected subtype (72.2% of calves), followed by IIaA17G3R1 (5.6%), IIaA15G2R1 (4.2%), IIaA19G4R1 (4.2%), IIaA16G4R1 (2.8%), IIaA17G4R1 (2.8%), IIaA19G3R (2.8%), IIaA14G1R1 (1.4%), IIaA14G3R1 (1.4%), IIaA15G1R1 (1.4%), and IIaA19G1R1 (1.4%) These results suggest that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. is significantly associated with calf age. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the high genetic diversity of C. parvum and the widespread occurrence of zoonotic C. parvum in pre-weaned calves. Hence, calves are a potential source of zoonotic transmission with considerable public health implications.

Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes from diarrheic dairy calves in Israel

Cryptosporidium are protozoan parasites with worldwide distribution, infecting a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic animals, as well as humans. Cryptosporidium parvum is the most important zoonotic species and is the primary cause of cryptosporidiosis in preweaned calves, a highly prevalent, economically important disease. Extensive subtyping of C. parvum from infected humans and animals has expanded current understanding of the parasites' epidemiology. Israel has a highly developed dairy sector with intensive, zero-grazing operations. While C. parvum has been found in dairy calves throughout the country, and subtype data from human patients have also been published, subtype data from animals, and in particular preweaned ruminants, are lacking. We carried out an initial study of Cryptosporidium species and subtypes from preweaned diarrheic calves. Cryptosporidium species were determined in 71 fecal samples from 43 different dairy farms using 18S rRNA PCR, and subtyping of C. parvum based on the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) sequences was done on one sample per farm. C. parvum was the only species found, with eight different subtypes belonging to the zoonotic IIa and IId families. Subtype IIaA15G2R1 was the most prevalent and widespread, found in 50% of the farms over a wide geographical distribution. Our results confirm the presence of subtypes IIaA15G2R1 and IIdA20G1, which were previously found in human patients in Israel, also in Israeli calves. In addition, subtype IIaA12G1R1 is reported here for the first time in an animal. These findings demonstrate the value of monitoring C. parvum subtypes in animal samples, and suggest that the role of calves as well as other young ruminants in the transmission of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis in Israel should be further studied.