Prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia infestation in cattle and in broiler chickens in Algeria

Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are zoonotic protozoan diseases with significant public health and economic concerns. In Algeria, epidemiological data on these parasites in livestock are limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>Giardia</i> in dairy calves and broiler chickens and to identify the associated risk factors. A microscopic analysis of 200 faecal samples revealed a <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. prevalence of 56% in calves and 60% in broiler chickens, while the <i>Giardia</i> prevalence was 8% in calves and absent in chickens. In cattle, the data showed that age constituted a potential risk factor for both parasites (<i>P</i> < 0.000 1 for <i>Cryptosporidium</i>; <i>P</i> < 0.000 5 for <i>Giardia</i>). Interestingly, the risk of a <i>Cryptosporidium</i> infection decreased with age, while the <i>Giardia</i> infestation risk increased. The sex was not a significant factor for <i>Cryptosporidium</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.115 0), but was impactful for <i>Giardia</i> (<i>P</i> < 0.000 1), with males at higher risk. These results highlighted the distinct epidemiological characteristics of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> and <i>Giardia</i> infestations in Algerian livestock. The contrasting age-related risks and sex-specific susceptibility to <i>Giardia</i> underline the need for targeted, age and sex prevention strategies. This study provides valuable data to inform public health policies and to improve livestock management practices in Algeria, contributing to the wider understanding of these zoonotic parasites in North African agricultural farming.