INCREASED EXPOSURE TO CRYPTOSPORIDIA AMONG DAIRY FARMERS IN WISCONSIN

Cryptosporidium infection is an important cause of diarrhea in humans and livestock; no effective therapy is known. A self-administered ques tionnaire and an ELISA were used to assess the risk of exposure to cry ptosporidia among 70 dairy farmers and 50 who were not dairy farmers i n Wisconsin. Dairy farmers (44.3%) were more likely to be seropositive for cryptosporidia than were other persons (24.0%; relative risk = 1. 9). Among dairy farmers, age greater-than-or-equal-to 50 and use of a canister method of milking were associated with seropositive status. A mong persons who were not dairy farmers, feeding or milking cows was a ssociated with being seropositive. These findings suggest that dairy f armers and other persons who have contact with cattle are at greater r isk of Cryptosporidium infection than are persons who do not have such contact. Identification and avoidance of farming practices associated with Cryptosporidium infection may reduce the risk of infection among dairy farmers.