ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP. IN CATTLE AND GOAT FEACE (A CASE STUDY OF KANO STATE CENTRAL ABATTOIR)

This study was conducted to isolate and identify Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples collected from cattle and goats at the Kano State Central Abattoir. Cryptosporidium spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites of major veterinary and public health significance, known to cause diarrheal diseases in both humans and animals. The infection is transmitted primarily through the fecal–oral route, often via contaminated food or water. A total of twenty (20) fresh fecal samples were randomly collected from goats and examined using the Modified Ziehl–Neelsen (mZN) staining technique for the detection of Cryptosporidiumoocysts. The results revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in a proportion of the samples, indicating that goats in the study area serve as potential reservoirs of the parasite. The findings underscore the zoonotic importance of Cryptosporidium infection and highlight the need for improved hygiene and management practices in livestock production systems to minimize the risk of transmission to humans. This study provides baseline data that can be used for further epidemiological and molecular investigations aimed at understanding the dynamics and public health implications of Cryptosporidium infections in Kano State.