Zoonotic enteric parasites in goats: a molecular survey of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Hubei, China

Abstract Goats are important livestock in China, and their close contact with humans raises concerns about zoonotic enteric parasite transmission. However, data on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis , and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Hubei goat populations remain limited. Five hundred fecal samples were collected from goats across five regions of Hubei Province (2024–2025). Nested PCR and sequencing were used to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis , and E. bieneusi . Risk factors were also evaluated. The prevalence rates were 3.2% for Cryptosporidium spp., 29.4% for G. duodenalis , and 16.2% for E. bieneusi . The dominant species/assemblage/genotypes included C. bovis , C. xiaoi , C. parvum , and C. ubiquitum ; assemblage E (85.7%) for G. duodenalis ; zoonotic assemblages A and B; and CHG3 (25.9%), BEB6 (23.5%), and CHG1 (21.0%) for E. bieneusi . Significant regional variation was detected for G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi infections, which were significantly greater in the winter than in the spring. Conclusion: This first comprehensive molecular survey in Hubei goats revealed a high prevalence and genetic diversity of these parasites, with clear evidence of zoonotic strains. The findings support a “One Health” approach to control zoonotic transmission in the region.