Crypto (full name is cryptosporidiosis)
Is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite (a type of germ) called Cryptosporidium parvum. Both the disease and the germ are often called "crypto".  Some common symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.  In some cases there are no symptoms at all. Crypto is contracted by ingestion of oocytes excreted in the feces of an animal or person infected with crypto.  Crypto infections may be transmitted by contact with contaminated environment, drinking water or eating food contaminated by feces, from animal to people, and even people to people.  

What can you do to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands after handling animals or before putting anything into your mouth.
• Not swallowing water when you swim
• Washing and cooking your food
• Drinking only safe water
• Test your pets for crypto.  Especially if they have diarrhea.

Pets most likely to have crypto include:

• Puppies or kittens younger than 6 months
• Dogs or cats with diarrhea
• Stray pets

Cryptosporidosis Links:

Parasitic Disease Informationm
Cryptosporidium Infection and Animals