As lambing and calving time approaches, animal disease charity Moredun Foundation has produced a free newsletter on cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidiosis is a scouring disease caused by infection with the parasite cryptosporidium parvum. The disease affects a number of livestock species, including sheep, cattle and horses, as well as humans, making it essential to monitor and control on the farm.

The newsletter provides essential practical recommendations for limiting the disease, while giving up-to-date information on clinical signs and diagnosis.

Clinical disease is mainly seen in young livestock between two and 10 days old, although adult animals can carry the parasite sub-clinically and spread infection via the faecal-oral route, "turd to tongue".

Dr Elisabeth Innes, co-author of the newsletter, highlighted the importance of practising good hygiene in livestock accommodation at this time of year. "Lambing or calving sheds are a potential infection zone for newborns as contaminated bedding can carry and spread the disease rapidly within these confined spaces," she warned.

In humans cryptosporidiosis can cause severe diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting, with the main vulnerable groups being children and the elderly.

Steve Wright, joint author of the newsletter, stressed the importance of handling waste in the correct manner.

"Because cryptosporidiosis can infect humans, correct disposal of waste from infected animals is important, particularly where agricultural land forms a catchment area for reservoirs and rivers to supply drinking water."

The newsletter can be obtained by contacting Ashley Baird at the Moredun Foundation on 0131 445 5111.