Rangeland Cattle and the Risk of Waterborne Cryptosporidium parvum Infection in Humans
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC); Department of Agronomy and Range Science, UC Davis; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, UC Davis; Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education, CSU Fresno; Equine Research Center, CSU Pomona; UC Cooperative Extension Livestock and Natural Resource Advisors
Problem: There is a growing concern among water districts and state and federal regulators regarding the potential for non-point source Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) contamination of surface water from rangeland cattle. At stake is not only water quality and human health, but also the economic viability of those citizens who depend on California rangeland for grazing.
Approach: Several studies are being carried out using quantitative epidemiology and molecular techniques to test the validity of these concerns.
Goal: Estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for shedding a variety of bacterial and protozoal pathogens in livestock populations.