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Protozoal Parasites, Livestock, and Water Quality
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC), Tulare


Dairy Cattle
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC
Research is currently focused on unraveling the medical ecology of C. parvum and G. duodenalis infection in calves, and assessing the risk of environmental contamination fr om C. parvum oocysts and G. duodenalis cysts in flush water.
Study Findings: Conditional on the sensitivity of our diagnostic tests, neither pre- nor post-parturient cows, nor the soil within the dry and calving pen appears to serve as a significant reservoir of infection for calves. However, we are re-examining this conclusion by carefully modeling the sensitivity of the direct fluorescent antibody procedure to provide a valid, statistical underpinning for the concept, "Detection Threshold."

R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC; J. Harp, Agricultural Research Service, USDA
Results published: Clinical trial evaluating two experimental products for their ability to reduce the period prevalence and clinical severity of cryptosporidiosis in dairy calves.

R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC; R. Larsen, UC Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino County; A. Wubishet, UC Cooperative Extension Riverside/San Bernardino/San Diego County
Concluding project: A 12-month study on the concentration of C. parvum, C. muris, and G. duodenalis in the flush water from 10 dairies in the Chino-San Bernar dino area.
Goal: To identify flush water systems that minimize the risk of environmental contamination and inter-cattle transmission of these protozoal parasites, yet at the same time conserve water usage through flush water recycling.


Horses
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC
The issue of non-point source protozoal contamination of surface water is also being confronted by the equine industry. Restrictions on the location of recreational riding have already been put into place on some watersheds within California out of fear that animal waste could contaminate the water supply and lead to human disease, despite a near absence of scientific data supporting such actions.
Current study: The first study to introduce DNA fingerprinting technology to the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center involves DNA sequencing portions of the 18S rRNA, ITS1, and 5.8S rRNA regions, in order to provide the necessary data for developing a PCR-based DNA fingerprinting technique to compare equine isolates to human, livestock, and wildlife isolates.
Ongoing study: As the second year of an expanded statewide epidemiologic study, "The prevalence of and risk factors for shedding C. parvum and G. duodenalis in Calif ornia horses" is completed, requests have been received from both the United States Evironmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the results.
Results published: A pilot project on horses used for backcountry recreation, sponsored by the Backcountry Horsemen of California.

R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC; Western Unit of the High Sierras Packers Association; Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks; Sierra, Sequoia, and Stanislaus National Forests
Concluding project: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of and associated risk factors for C. parvum or G. duodenalis infection in pack stock used commercially in the backcountry.
Llamas
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC; F. Rulofson, UC Cooperative Extension Tuolumne/Stanislaus County; California Section of the International Llama Association
Problem: Llamas are increasingly used as pack stock in California's National Forests and Parks, and concern has been expressed by federal land managers about the environmental ris ks associated with llama feces in the backcountry.
Approach: A project will be conducted to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for shedding C. parvum and G. duodenalis in llamas.


Wildlife
R. Atwill, Veterinary Medicine Extension, VMTRC; I. Gardner, W. Boyce and R. Sweitzer, University of California, Davis
Completed project: A study evaluating the prevalence of and risk factors for shedding C. parvum and G. duodenalis in populations of California coastal wild pigs.
Current study: To determine whether one or more species of wildlife serve as a reservoir of C. parvum on California rangeland watersheds, with particular interest in determining if the Californi a ground squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi, is a significant reservoir of C. parvum.



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