Cryptosporidiosis in the respiratory tract of turkeys in Saskatchewan

Developmental stages of Cryptosporidium sp. (Protozoa: Cryptosporiidae) were observed in tracheal epithelium of two groups of turkey poults from a farm in central Saskatchewan. Lesions associated with the parasite included excess mucus, epithelial hyperplasia and metaplasia and necrosis, and macrophage and heterophil infiltration in thickened lamina propria. Infection with the parasite was confirmed by histologic and ultrastructural examination of tracheal tissues.