Viability time of sporulated oocysts of bovine Eimeria spp. in water and efficacy of disinfectants in a region with tropical climate

The water can be a significant risk factor for the occurrence of cattle eimeriosis on farms located in tropical climate regions. This study aimed to assess the viability period of sporulated oocysts of bovine Eimeria spp. in water containing organic matter and to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants against sporulated oocysts of this protozoa. Two experiments were conducted, each comprising in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In Experiment 1, the viability period of oocysts sporulated in buckets containing a solution composed of a mixture of feces with oocysts, water, and potassium dichromate was assessed. Quantifications and identification of Eimeria spp. oocysts were performed on days + 30, + 60, + 90, and every 30 days thereafter until no more oocysts were detected. Naïve calves were inoculated with this solution kept in the bucket for 6 and 12 months. In Experiment 2, the efficacy of various disinfectants (acetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, ethanol + acetic acid, and ammonia quaternary) against a new solution of sporulated oocysts and pH changes over time (10’, 30’, and 24 h) were evaluated in the laboratory. The most effective disinfectant was used to treat the water solution and inoculate the calves, and its efficacy was calculated. In Experiment 1, Eimeria spp. oocysts remained viable in the solution for up to 12 months. E. zuernii persisted until the end of the study period. Calves inoculated with the solution kept in the buckets for 6 and 12 months excreted at least four Eimeria species ( E. zuernii , E. bovis , E. ellipsoidalis, and E. cylindrica ) . In Experiment 2, among the tested disinfectants, 3% acetic acid demonstrated the highest efficacy (10’ = 80.9%; 30’ = 87.9%; 24 h = 91.7%). The pH values of the solutions containing acetic acid ranged from 2.4 to 3.5. Calves that received the inoculum treated with 3% acetic acid did not excrete Eimeria spp. oocysts in feces during the study period (efficacy = 100%). In contrast, all animals in the control group excreted Eimeria spp. oocysts in feces. Future studies should be carried out to better understand the possible effects of cattle drinking water with 3% acetic acid.