Final answer:
A diarrhea outbreak at a dairy farm that affects all ages is most likely due to Cryptosporidium, a pathogen that can be spread by contaminated water and food, and through contact with infected animals. Cryptosporidiosis caused by this parasite is especially concerning on dairy farms where it can affect individuals across all age groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diarrhea outbreak at a dairy farm that affects all ages is most likely due to Cryptosporidium, a protozoan intestinal parasite. Cryptosporidiosis is usually caused by Cryptosporidium parvum or C. hominis, which are commonly found in animals. These pathogens can be spread in feces from various farm animals and are responsible for transmitting the disease through contaminated water and food, as well as direct contact with infected animals or their feces.
While bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and viruses like rotavirus are also common causes of diarrheal illness, Cryptosporidium is particularly notorious for causing outbreaks in dairy farm settings because it can affect individuals of all ages and is highly resistant to typical chlorination treatments used for water disinfection, making it a persistent problem on farms where animal waste contaminates the environment.