Cryptosporidium parasite in dairy farms: probability of milk contamination and risk factors

Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Cryptosporidium spp., a parasite transmitted via the fecal-oral route, either directly or indirectly. There is a high prevalence in cattle and outbreaks of human cryptosporidiosis involving raw milk (or derived products) have been reported worldwide and in France. This raises the question of milk contamination at the farm. This study showed that the DNA of Cryptosporidium spp. could be detected in milk in recruited farms affected by cryptosporidiosis (15.4%, n=78), but significantly less frequently in farms producing milk for the raw milk sector. Practices related to milking hygiene (teat cleaning, milking parlor cleaning and lighting) and animal housing (type of beds and housing mode) significantly impact the contamination of raw milk.