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Detection of Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies on Dairy Cattle Farms in Southern Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020087. [PMID: 35202340 PMCID: PMC8876793 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis is recognized as one of the major causes of bovine abortion worldwide. Canids are the main definitive host for this parasite and the presence of dogs in the farm is an important factor for the Neospora caninum infection in bovines. Since, in the province of Lecce, located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, there are no studies showing the presence of the infection in farm animals, the objective was to perform a serological evaluation for anti-N. caninum antibodiesin serum from 706 dairy cattle and 21 farm dogs located in 40 farms uniformlydistributed over the territory.The presence of N. caninum infection was confirmed in 90.0% (36/40) of the 40 farms examined. The results obtained on all serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID Screen®Neospora caninum competition ELISA kit) for anti-N. caninum antibodies showed a seropositivity rate of 21.1% (149/706) among dairy cows, with a statistically significant higher percentage of positive subjects in the animals over two years old and a positivity rate of 42.9% (9/21) in tested dogs. The obtained data confirmed the presence of neosporosis even in the Lecce area, where it could therefore represent an important cause of abortion and economic losses.
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de Souza GG, Amatti LZ, Garcia LV, Costa LR, Minutti AF, Martins TA, Bogado ALG, Ignácio FS, de Almeida BFM, Garcia JL, de Barros LD. Neospora caninum infection and reproductive problems in dairy cows from Brazil: A case-control study. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 28:100683. [PMID: 35115122 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neosporosis, an infectious disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, has been associated with economic losses in cattle rearing worldwide. However, previous studies have not presented any evidence regarding the association between serological status of neosporosis and alteration of the reproductive parameters. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether N. caninum is associated with reproductive disorders and to evaluate the possible risk factors of the infection. Blood samples from 202 dairy cows, 51 with a history of reproductive disorders (case group) and 151 without (control group), were collected from different farms in Brazil. Epidemiological questionnaires were conducted with all the farmers. Serum samples were subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody test to detect antibodies against the parasite. In total, 28.22% (57/202) of the cows were seropositive: 47.06% (24/51) from the case group and 21.85% (33/151) from the control group. By logistic regression, cows aged ≥48 months and cows with history of abortion were 4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.91-12.05; p = 0.001) and 2.3 (95% CI = 1.06-5.1; p = 0.034) times more likely to be seropositive, respectively. Furthermore, our results show an association between N. caninum seropositivity and abortion in dairy cows from Brazil with poor management conditions and N. caninum seropositivity risk factors for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Gati de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, Rodovia BR 153, Km 338+420m, 19909-100 Ourinhos, SP, Brazil; Department of Clinical Veterinary, Universidade Estadual Paulista, R. Dr. Valter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, 18618-681 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidiana Zanetti Amatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, Rodovia BR 153, Km 338+420m, 19909-100 Ourinhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Venâncio Garcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, Rodovia BR 153, Km 338+420m, 19909-100 Ourinhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Letícia Ramos Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculdades Integradas de Ourinhos, Rodovia BR 153, Km 338+420m, 19909-100 Ourinhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Minutti
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Thais Agostinho Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Alexey Leon Gomel Bogado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte do Paraná, Rodovia Pr 218, Km 01, 86702-670 Arapongas, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Saules Ignácio
- Department of Clinical Veterinary, Universidade Estadual Paulista, R. Dr. Valter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, 18618-681 Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil; Department of Clinical Veterinary, Universidade Estadual Paulista, R. Dr. Valter Maurício Corrêa, s/n, 18618-681 Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Moore DP, Cantón GJ, Louge Uriarte EL. Editorial: Infectious Diseases Affecting Reproduction and the Neonatal Period in Cattle. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:679007. [PMID: 33969046 PMCID: PMC8100021 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.679007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dadín P Moore
- Animal Production Department, Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IIPADS), Balcarce, Argentina.,Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- Animal Production Department, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Enrique L Louge Uriarte
- Animal Production Department, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina
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Noaman V, Nabinejad AR. Seroprevalence and risk factors assessment of the three main infectious agents associated with abortion in dairy cattle in Isfahan province, Iran. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:2001-2009. [PMID: 31983025 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Neospora caninum, Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection on industrial Holstein dairy cattle farms in Isfahan province, Central Iran. Blood samples were taken from 216 apparently healthy cattle from 16 randomly selected Holstein dairy farms in the North, South, East, and West of Isfahan in the summer of 2017. The antibodies to N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV were detected using a commercially available ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV was 19%, 72.2%, and 52.8%, respectively. The significant major risk factors of BHV-1 in cattle were identified as farm direction, age groups, parity, and milk yield by the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The significant major risk factors of BVDV in cattle were identified as age groups, parity, milk yield, and stage of pregnancy (p < 0.05). The only significant major risk factor of N. caninum was farm direction (p < 0.05). A significant association of concurrent infection with BVDV and BHV-1 has shown in the current study (p < 0.05). This study is the first to report the risk factors for N. caninum, BHV-1, and BVDV infection in the central part of Iran and allows us to conclude that these agents are widely distributed in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Noaman
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Abdol Reza Nabinejad
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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Ribeiro CM, Soares IR, Mendes RG, de Santis Bastos PA, Katagiri S, Zavilenski RB, de Abreu HFP, Afreixo V. Meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine neosporosis. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 51:1783-1800. [PMID: 31228088 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-01929-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the main infectious agents that cause reproductive disorders in cattle. However, knowledge about the prevalence and causal factors of bovine neosporosis is needed in order to establish control measures. The purpose of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence and determine the risk factors of bovine neosporosis using meta-analytic methods. Searches for data on N. caninum seroprevalence and potential risk factors were conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, and SciElo databases. The random effects model was used for the meta-analysis of the included studies. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in cattle was 24% (95% confidence interval (CI), 19-29) in North and Central America, 24% (95% CI, 20-28) in South America, 18% (95% CI, 14-21) in Asia, 15% (95% CI, 12-18) in Europe, 13% (95% CI, 11-16) in Africa, and 8% (95% CI, 4-14) in Oceania. A significant correlation was found between N. caninum infection and abortion in cows (odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 95% CI, 1.97-3.59). The following risk factors were signicantly associated with N. caninum seroprevalence: presence of dogs on the farm (OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.40-5.80) and the type of cattle production system, with dairy cattle being more susceptible to bovine neosporosis (OR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.16-2.19) than beef cattle. The adoption of measures to prevent the dissemination of N. caninum in cattle herds is suggested, aiming to reduce the economic losses incurred to the dairy and beef industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paula Andrea de Santis Bastos
- Centro Universitário das Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Satie Katagiri
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | | | - Vera Afreixo
- Department of Mathematics, Universidade de Aveiro, District of Aveiro, Portugal
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Mavrogianni V, Papadopoulos E, Gougoulis D, Gallidis E, Ptochos S, Fragkou I, Orfanou D, Fthenakis G. Gastrointestinal trichostrongylosis can predispose ewes to clinical mastitis after experimental mammary infection. Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:71-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Raaperi K, Orro T, Viltrop A. Epidemiology and control of bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in Europe. Vet J 2014; 201:249-56. [PMID: 24954868 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) causes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, abortion and balanoposthitis, as well as neurological and systemic disease in cattle. The virus is endemic in cattle populations worldwide although in Europe six countries and several regions in other countries have achieved 'IBR-free' status by implementing control measures. According to European Union (EU) directives, all member states must comply with specific requirements related to BHV-1 infection status in semen and embryos. The requirement that 'IBR-free' states restrict the importation of cattle from endemically infected regions has motivated several European countries to instigate disease eradication programmes. Despite such control measures within the EU, outbreaks of IBR persist in 'IBR-free' states contiguous with infected countries. This review presents a summary of recent research on the epidemiology of BHV-1, highlights the control measures and surveillance systems in place, and discusses the challenges facing eradication schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerli Raaperi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia.
| | - Toomas Orro
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu 51014, Estonia
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Co-infection by Escherichia coli O157 and gastrointestinal strongyles in sheep. Vet J 2013; 197:884-5. [PMID: 23680265 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This research investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) strongyles and Escherichia coli O157 in naturally infected sheep, as well as the possible correlation between the pathogens examined. A total of 314 sheep, randomly selected from 21 farms located in southern Italy, were examined. GI strongyles and E. coli O157 were detected by using the FLOTAC double technique and culture media, respectively. GI strongyles were detected on 19/21 farms (90.5%) and E. coli O157 on 12/21 (57.4%). At the animal level, GI strongyles were detected from 193/314 (61.5%) sheep analysed, whereas E. coli O157 was isolated from 20/314 (6.4%) sheep. Statistical analysis performed at animal-level showed a negative correlation between E. coli O157 and GI strongyle EPGs (Spearman's ρ=-0.128; P=0.03). Caution should be exercised in interpreting the research findings because a number of different confounding factors possibly influenced the trend of negative correlation between the two pathogenic agents investigated. Further studies, including molecular diagnostics, production data and multivariable analytical approaches, are needed to assess the actual impact of multiple pathogen infections in grazing sheep and other livestock species.
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Dipineto L, Capasso M, Maurelli MP, Russo TP, Pepe P, Capone G, Fioretti A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Survey of co-infection by Salmonella and oxyurids in tortoises. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:69. [PMID: 22640421 PMCID: PMC3488555 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Salmonella spp. and oxyurids are among the most prevalent bacterial and parasitic agents in reptiles. These organisms are routinely isolated in healthy tortoises, although heavy infections may cause significant pathology. Tortoises are considered a common source of reptile-associated salmonellosis, an important zoonosis reported worldwide. A survey of the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and oxyurids in 53 tortoises was conducted in southern Italy and a possible correlation between the two pathogens was therefore investigated. Results Salmonella spp. and oxyurids were detected with a prevalence of 49.1 and 81.1%, respectively. A significant positive correlation between Salmonella spp. and oxyurids was demonstrated. However, confounding factors related to husbandry could have been involved in determining this correlation. Conclusions Our results suggest that caution should be exercised in translocation, husbandry, and human contact with tortoises and other exotic pets. Further studies on the epidemiology, molecular characterization and pathogenesis of Salmonella and oxyurids are needed to assess the actual impact of these organisms, as single or associated infections, on tortoises and on other exotic pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Pathology and Animal Health, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Imre K, Morariu S, Ilie MS, Imre M, Ferrari N, Genchi C, Dărăbuş G. Serological survey of Neospora caninum infection in cattle herds from Western Romania. J Parasitol 2011; 98:683-5. [PMID: 22150344 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3023.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum samples from 376 randomly selected adult cattle, from 25 farms located in 3 counties (Arad, Bihor, and Timiş) from western Romania, were sampled for Neospora caninum antibodies using a commercial ELISA-kit. Seroprevalence values and risk factors for neosporosis (cow age, breed, herd size, farming system, previous abortion, and number of farm dogs) were examined using a generalized linear mixed model with a binomial distribution. Overall, the seroprevalence of N. caninum was 27.7% (104/376) with a prevalence of 27.9% (24/86) in Arad, 26.9% (25/93) in Bihor, and 27.9% (55/197) in Timiş. Of 25 cattle herds, 23 were seropositive with a prevalence ranging from 10.0 to 52.2%. No correlation was found between N. caninum seropositivity and age, breed, herd size, breeding system, and previous abortion. The number of farm dogs was the only factor (P(Wald) = 0.03) positively associated with seroprevalence in cows and can be considered the risk factor in the acquiring of infection. The present work is the first regarding serological evidence of N. caninum infection in cattle from western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kálmán Imre
- Department of Food Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Timişoara, Calea Aradului nr. 119, 300645 Timişoara, Romania.
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Brower A, Homb KM, Bochsler P, Porter R, Woods K, Ubl S, Krueger D, Cigel F, Toohey-Kurth K. Encephalitis in aborted bovine fetuses associated with Bovine herpesvirus 1 infection. J Vet Diagn Invest 2008; 20:297-303. [PMID: 18460615 DOI: 10.1177/104063870802000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tissue from 12 aborted bovine fetuses submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory revealed histologic lesions that consisted of glial nodules and variable degrees of mononuclear inflammation, microhemorrhage, neuronal necrosis, and cerebral cortical cavitation. A diagnosis of Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) abortion had been made in all of these cases through multiple testing modalities. Brain tissue from 8 of the 12 fetuses was immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal antibody specific to BHV-1, and, in 5 fetuses, there was positive intralesional staining of neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells. This preliminary data suggested that herpesviral infection of brain tissue led to the described neurologic lesions. BHV-1 was then amplified from brain tissue in all 12 of the fetuses and was confirmed by partial sequencing of the thymidine kinase and glycoprotein C genes. To the authors' knowledge, neurologic lesions have not previously been described in BHV-1-infected fetuses, nor has BHV-1 previously been identified in bovine fetal brain tissue. The neurologic histopathology attributed to BHV-1 infection in these cases overlaps with the neurologic lesions produced by Neospora caninum, a common etiologic agent of bovine abortion. Therefore, when bovine fetal neurologic lesions are found, both etiologies should be considered and then distinguished by using additional diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brower
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Konnai S, Mingala CN, Sato M, Abes NS, Venturina FA, Gutierrez CA, Sano T, Omata Y, Cruz LC, Onuma M, Ohashi K. A survey of abortifacient infectious agents in livestock in Luzon, the Philippines, with emphasis on the situation in a cattle herd with abortion problems. Acta Trop 2008; 105:269-73. [PMID: 18243149 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the Philippines, insufficient consideration has been given to the implementation of systematic control measures against major abortifacient infectious agents in livestock. To elucidate the epidemiology of abortifacient infectious agents in livestock, the prevalence of four abortifacient agents was assessed. Initially, a total of 96 cattle including 17 cows with history of abortion were examined in a herd in Luzon at the request of the farm owner. Six (35.3%) of the 17 aborting cows were found to be serologically positive for Neospora caninum (N. caninum), whereas the seroprevalence in non-aborting cows was 15.9% (10/63). Four of the 6 serologically positive aborting cows were also RT-PCR-positive for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Two (12.5%) of the 16 bulls examined were also found to be infected with BVDV, suggesting a putative risk factor of transmission via semen. Based on sequence analysis, the isolates detected belong to BVDV type 1b group. Furthermore, an epidemiological survey of abortifacient infectious agents was conducted with various species of livestock from herds located in Luzon. Out of the 105 water buffalo samples collected, 4 (3.8%) were indicated positive to N. caninum, 2 (1.9%) to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and 2 (1.9%) to Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in goat and sheep were 23.6% (21/89) and 26.3% (10/38), respectively. BVDV was not detected in these herds. The findings of this exploratory study indicate a relationship between infection and bovine abortion and that a lager study is required to statistically confirm this relationship.
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Dubey JP, Schares G, Ortega-Mora LM. Epidemiology and control of neosporosis and Neospora caninum. Clin Microbiol Rev 2007; 20:323-67. [PMID: 17428888 PMCID: PMC1865591 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00031-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 699] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misidentified as Toxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in dogs in 1984 and the description of the new genus and species Neospora caninum in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and neonatal mortality are a major problem in livestock operations, and neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Although antibodies to N. caninum have been reported, the parasite has not been detected in human tissues. Thus, the zoonotic potential is uncertain. This review is focused mainly on the epidemiology and control of neosporosis in cattle, but worldwide seroprevalences of N. caninum in animals and humans are tabulated. The role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum and strategies for the control of neosporosis in cattle are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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