Abstract
Designation of the species Cryptosporidium pestis is unequivocally supported by type material available through the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) Secretariat guidance suggests that the action in naming the ‘bovine genotype’ C. pestis is in accordance with the ICZN Code and the name is therefore available for this taxon. Invoking Article 23.9.1.2, which states that prevailing usage must be maintained, to reject C. pestis, is incorrect because it cannot be used without Article 23.9.1.1, with its restriction to names proposed before 1899. Accordingly, we are formally justified in using C. pestis for the ‘bovine genotype’.
