Data‑Driven Estimation of Economic Losses from Bovine Cryptosporidiosis: A Case Study in Denizli Province, Turkey

The aim of this study was to estimate the financial impact of bovine cryptosporidiosis as well as the costs per breeding enterprise in Denizli Province of Turkey. The retrospective data on bovine cryptosporidiosis were obtained from records in Turkey’s Livestock Information System for 2024. The direct and indirect economic losses were estimated as $359,450 in 2021, $831,075 in 2022, and $883,925 in 2023. The loss per calf due to bovine cryptosporidiosis was estimated as $7.59. In conclusion, there were significant economic losses due to bovine cryptosporidiosis in Denizli. Background : Bovine cryptosporidiosis is a globally prevalent parasitic disease causing substantial economic losses in livestock production. This study provides the first comprehensive economic assessment of cryptosporidiosis impacts in Denizli Province, Turkey, an important livestock region. Methods : We conducted a retrospective analysis of official records from Turkey's Livestock Information System (2021-2023). Economic losses were calculated through both direct (mortality) and indirect (treatment costs, productivity losses) methods, using a standardized formula incorporating district-specific calf mortality data (35% attributable mortality rate) and current market values ($500 per calf). Statistical analysis was performed on 11,854 recorded calf deaths across 19 districts. Results : The three-year economic impact totaled $2,074,450, with annual losses increasing from $359,450 (2021) to $883,925 (2023). Spatial analysis revealed significant district-level variation, with mortality rates ranging from 0.012% (Merkezefendi) to 0.135% (Babadağ). Temporal patterns showed peak mortality in March (1,269 deaths) and lowest incidence in July (640 deaths). The disease burden averaged $7.59 per affected calf, with substantial variation between enterprises. Conclusions : Our findings demonstrate that cryptosporidiosis represents a significant and growing economic challenge for Turkish livestock producers. The spatial-temporal patterns identified suggest environmental and management factors may influence disease spread. These results provide policymakers with evidence-based data to prioritize control measures and highlight the need for regular economic monitoring of parasitic diseases in livestock systems.