Cryptosporidium is a coccidian, oocyst-forming apicomplexan protozoan that causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhoeal disease affecting both humans and animals (Putignani et al., 2010). It is primarily transmitted via the faecal-oral route, and its oocysts can survive in harsh environments, making food and water contamination a significant public health concern. Waterborne outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported worldwide (Karanis et al., 2007). This opportunistic zoonotic parasite can infect more than 150 animal species, including humans (Khan et al., 2018, Kotloff, 2017). It is particularly prevalent in ruminants and is a common cause of watery diarrhoea in young individuals (Santin, 2013). Among bovines, the main species reported in bovines include C. parvum, C. bovis, C. andersoni, and C. ryanae (Fayer et al., 2005, Fayer et al., 2008, Xiao, 2010), while in ovines, C. xiaoi, C. parvum, and C. ubiquitum are most frequently identified in sheep (Guo et al., 2021). Several of these species are zoonotic and may pose risks to human health.Table 1.

In recent years, China’s ruminant industry has experienced steady and significant growth. The country is now the world’s largest producer of mutton, and its beef and dairy sectors have also expanded in slaughter volume, production output, and herd size (Zhao, 2020, Yang et al., 2021, Gui, 2024). However, alongside this rapid development, Cryptosporidium has emerged as an increasingly significant challenge for China’s livestock sector. The parasite is widely distributed among ruminants and is particularly harmful to young animals, leading to gastrointestinal illness, reduced weight gain, and increased mortality (Robertson et al., 2017). In livestock production systems, cryptosporidiosis causes substantial economic losses due to decreased productivity and the lack of effective preventive or therapeutic measures (Ryan et al., 2014).

In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an updated overview of Cryptosporidium infection in Chinese ruminants and to identify potential factors influencing its transmission. The results are expected to inform targeted control strategies in livestock production.