Welsh Water and local farmers work together to understand cryptosporidium risks in livestock and river water
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has helped farmers in Powys better understand the impact of cryptosporidium infections in their flocks.
The study has identified the best steps to take to protect and treat their animals whilst also safeguarding drinking water sources.
The research helped identify the pathways for cryptosporidium movement across the farm and through the livestock. Through extensive sampling, the study showed that cryptosporidium was present on farms, both in the animals and in the river water.
Nigel Elgar, Project Manager for Welsh Water said: “This particular study has proven to be win-win for both ourselves and the farmers. Welsh Water now better understand the prevalence of cryptosporidium in livestock and the environment, this will help us identify how we can work in collaboration with farmers to tackle the problem. By working together we can find actions that will minimise the risks to farmers, their animals and drinking water sources.”
This work was funded through European Innovation Partnership Wales, more details can be found in the following articles:
Farming Connect:
https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/business/european-innovation-partnership-eip-wales/approved-eip-wales-projects/there-something
West Wales Chronicle:
https://www.westwaleschronicle.co.uk/blog/2022/09/29/welsh-farmers-better-informed-to-tackle-cryptosporidium-thanks-to-eip-wales-study
Water sampling as part of crypto EIP project