Prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cows and its consequences for reproductive management

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2004

Authors

canada, n (Author) ICBAS; carvalheira, j (Author) ICBAS; Meireles, CS (Author) Other; da Costa, JMC (Author) Other; rocha, a (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Theriogenology

Vol. 62

Pages: 1229-1235

ISSN: 0093-691X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-000-8F0

DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.01.004

Abstract (EN): This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of neosporosis in an area of intensive dairy production, in Portugal. Sera samples were obtained in a random basis from 114 cows in 49 herds (group A), and from 1237 cows in 36 herds with a history of abortion outbreaks (group B). All sera samples were tested for neosporosis by direct agglutination test (DAT). Additionally, attempts to isolate Neospora caninum in 42 aborted bovine fetuses from 38 dairy herds (group C) were carried out, utilizing a bioassay with immuno-depressed Swiss Webster mice. Parasitological confirmation was done by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The prevalence of neosporosis in the group A was 28%. Group B had a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence (46%) and Neospora caninum was isolated in 36% of the aborted fetuses (group C). These results indicate that neosporosis, a disease only recently (2001) diagnosed in Portugal, has a high prevalence in the country, particularly in populations with a story of abortion. Thus, neosporosis should systematically be considered in the differential diagnosis of abortion. In the context of embryo transfers, the importance of selecting Neospora-free embryo recipients is discussed, as well as the pertinence of assessing the Neospora status of traded and imported cattle.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7