Cryptosporidium Seminar: 21 June, 2007, Radisson Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite found in humans, many animals, birds and fish. Cryptosporidiosis is a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by ingesting Cryptosporidium oocysts. The main symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever and weight loss. The disease can be very dangerous to the very young and old and to people who are immunocompromised.

On 1st January 2004, cryptosporidiosis became a notifiable disease and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has subsequently requested all Local Authorities to develop an action plan to manage the risk of Cryptosporidium within their supply systems. The recommended framework for assessing the risk is a modified version of the Scottish Executive Directions. While this methodology has merits for surface water sources, it has significant failings when applied to groundwater sources. The risk of contamination occurring based on the presence of a pathway into the aquifer is not considered, and as a result, aquifers with no real risk can potentially be designated as High Risk.

Two case studies will be presented in which the outcome of the risk assessment did not reflect the hydrogeological conditions known to be present in their respective catchment. The consequence of this has implications for Local Authorities trying to assess their public supplies in a meaningful way. The case for using professional judgment to compensate for the shortcomings of the recommended quantitative approach is discussed. 

Full details on this seminar and booking details  (pdf).

You can also book online by credit card.    

For more details of this waterborne disease read the  Report of the Waterborne Cryptosporidiosis Subcommittee published in 2004.