Parasites Found in Cattle Drinking Water

There are various kinds of parasites that cattle can contract from ingesting infected water. In some cases, such as the transmission of cryptosporidium, a regular water fountain can serve as a place for the parasite to spread from cow to cow. Many kinds of bovine parasites, however, originate in wet pastures, especially when cows drink from wet spots or puddles. There are various signs of parasite infection, from loss of weight and a dull coat to severe diarrhea.

  1. Liver Flukes

    • Liver flukes are a more common problem on farms in the northwest United States, but can occur anywhere that experiences heavy rainfall. Low-lying areas of pastures collect water and can become a source of liver flukes. Marshy areas next to ponds that cows drink from also carry the potential of liver flukes. The flukes damage the cows' liver and cause them to be listless and remain in poor condition. Diarrhea and anemia can also accompany an infection.

    Stomach Worms

    • Like liver flukes, stomach worms can be contracted from cows eating infected grass or drinking infected water in pastures. De-worming is necessary to alleviate a stomach worm infection. A veterinarian can test a manure sample and take an egg count to gauge the level of infection. Symptoms of stomach worms include reduced growth, anemia, "bottle jaw," diarrhea, weight loss, listlessness, poor hair coat, dehydration and lack of appetite. Young cattle are affected most.

    Coccidia

    • Coccidia is a parasite that causes severe diarrhea in cattle, resulting in weight loss and listlessness. In calves, it can be fatal if not treated quickly. It is most often seen in cattle grouped together and stressed and can be spread in the drinking water. Cattle can be fed cocciostats to prevent or treat a coccidia infection.

    Cryptosporidium

    • Cryptosporidium is a protozoa that is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transfered to humans. In one of its forms, it is free-swimming and can exist in the cattle's drinking water. Cryptosporidium is an intestinal parasite causing severe diarrhea and, if not treated quickly, death in cattle. It is also dangerous to humans with weak immune systems. On farms, calving facilities are the most common place to experience an outbreak, in which calves die from a diarrhea that does not respond well to antibiotics.