A petting zoo in northwest Calgary has been temporarily closed after five cases of a watery diarrhea disease were linked to a parasite discovered at the facility in early April. The parasite, cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as 'crypto,' affects both cattle and humans. In humans, it can cause watery diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Symptoms typically appear two to ten days after infection and last one to two weeks.
Outbreak Details
Tom McMillan, communications director with Alberta's primary and preventative health services, confirmed that the parasite was discovered at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm in Foothills County on April 9. To date, five human cases have been linked to the outbreak. The farm voluntarily closed from April 26 to 28 and is currently conducting remediation activities. Affected areas and animals are not accessible to the public, and a health inspector has visited the site.
Farm's Response
Butterfield Acres stated on its website that they acquired two twin calves at the end of March. One calf carried the parasite and has since been removed from the farm. The animal pen has been disinfected. The healthy twin tested negative and remains at the facility in quarantine. The farm stated, 'We are working under the watchful eye of Alberta Health to ensure all the bases are covered... and will be under a Health Alert for the next 1-2 weeks, but will remain open.' They emphasized the importance of handwashing, especially after animal contact.
Health Advice
Not everyone infected will experience symptoms, and most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment. Those who develop symptoms after visiting the farm on or after April 9 should call 811 or contact a local health provider. This is the second closure for Butterfield Acres in the past year; in October 2025, it closed due to nine cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in its poultry.
