Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies and factors associated with their presence in dairy cattle of the north of Paraná state, Brazil

To determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies and associated factors, blood sera from 623 female dairy cattle from 23 farms in the north of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were analyzed by means of the indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT > or = 25). Serum samples from 134 dogs living on the same farms also were tested for N. caninum antibodies (IFAT > or = 50), and the presence of dogs was associated with the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in cattle. The overall seroprevalence in cattle was 14.3%, mainly in animals over 24 months of age. Seroprevalence in Holsteins (15.1% of 558) was greater than in mixed-breed cattle (7.7% of 65). Age (> or =24 months) of cattle, feeding silage and/or concentrate produced on the farm were associated; antibodies were found in 21.6% of dogs; and the presence of dogs was associated with the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in cattle.     

Prevalence of Neospora caninum and bovine viral diarrhoea virus in dairy cows in Southern Vietnam

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Neospora caninum and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in some dairy herds in Southern Vietnam, and to ascertain whether there were differences in seroprevalences between herds with imported and locally bred cows. Serum samples collected on five state farms and 97 smallholder herds were analysed for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum and BVDV. All BVDV antibody-negative sera were further tested by antigen-ELISA in order to identify persistently infected individuals. The N. caninum prevalence varied between 16% and 53% in the state herds, and was higher in the four herds that had imported cows than in the herd that only had locally bred cows. Nineteen percent of the samples collected on smallholder farms, which all had only locally bred cows, had antibodies to N. caninum. The BVDV seroprevalence varied between 58% and 93% on the state farms. In smallholder herds, the prevalence of BVDV among the sampled cows was 18% and even lower on the state farms. Despite the high seroprevalence for BVDV in the state herds, no persistently BVDV infected cows were found. Given the high prevalence for Neospora and BVDV among herds with imported cows, it seems advisable to test for both infections before cattle are imported into the country.     

Risk factors for canine neosporosis in farm and kennel dogs in southern Italy

Neosporosis by Neospora caninum causes losses to livestock production through abortion in cattle while, in dogs, it induces neuromuscolar disease. This study investigated neosporosis seroprevalence associated risk factors (including the seropositivity to leishmaniosis) in dogs of southern Italy, determined the prevalence of N. caninum oocyst shedding and examined the relationship between seroprevalence of neosporosis in farm dogs and cattle. Using an inhibition ELISA, 20.9% of 306 dogs had percent inhibition values >10 (indicative of exposure) and farm dogs had a significantly (p<0.001) higher seroprevalence than dogs in a rescue kennel. Whilst N. caninum seroprevalence was associated with increasing age in dogs (p< or =0.01) there was no association between seropositivity for N. caninum and for Leishmania infantum. Oocysts of N. caninum were not detected in faecal samples from 230 dogs including 160 farm dogs. The results indicated that neosporosis infection is common in southern Italy both in dogs and in cattle and that dogs at higher risk of exposure are free-ranging ones living in farms. The lack of correlation between canine seroprevalence for N. caninum and L. infantum assumes a particular significance in an endemic area for leishmaniosis.     

Herd-level risk factors for Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy farms in southern Brazil

A cross-sectional study was used to test the relationship between herd seroprevalence to Neospora caninum and various potential herd-level risk factors in 60 dairy farms located in two distinct regions in southern Brazil. Thirty farms were randomly selected from within each region. A questionnaire was designed to summarize each farm's production system as it might relate to N. caninum transmission. The questionnaire contained 105 closed questions relating to general characteristics of the farms, farm facilities, management, source of food and water, herd health, environment and biosecurity, which included questions relevant to N. caninum transmission, including presence and number of dogs and other animals, purchase of animals and contact with man. Serum samples were collected from 40% of animals in each farm and N. caninum antibodies were detected by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The association between potential risk factors and the probability of an animal being seropositive was modeled using a generalized estimation equations (GEE) logistic regression model. The model accounted for multilevel correlation of data from multiple animals within herds. The mean (+/-S.D.) number of animals in the 60 herds was 64.5 (+/-45.6), ranging from 20 to 280 females. Blood samples were collected from 1549 animals. The size of the farms varied from 4 to 100 ha (mean 30.1+/-25.9 ha). At least one dog was found in 57 of the 60 dairy farms (95%). The mean number of dogs was 3.1 (+/-1.9), ranging from 0 to 10. All females were raised on pasture. For all cattle sampled, N. caninum seroprevalence was 17.8%. Overall, 93.3% of herds (56/60) had at least one seropositive animal identified. Four variables were significantly associated with N. caninum sero-response in the 57 dairy farms, which were included in the final multivariable model: the number of dogs on the farm, farm area (hectares), feeding pooled sources of colostrum and region. The odds of a cow being seropositive increased 1.13 times for each additional dog present on the farm (P=0.021). Cattle from farms that fed calves colostrum pooled from multiple cows had 1.79 times greater odds for being seropositive for N. caninum (P<0.003). The probability of being seropositive was inverse to the area of the farms, such that cattle had 0.92 times the odds to be seropositive (P=0.014) for each additional 10 ha of farmland. Finally, cattle from farms in region one had 0.71 times the odds to be seropositive than cattle from region two (P=0.035). Results of this study suggest that several risk factors may explain why dairy cattle in Brazil may become exposed to N. caninum. However, further investigation of these factors is necessary because the purpose of this study was to refine and generate hypotheses on N. caninum transmission.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in dogs of rural or urban origin in central New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in populations of dogs from dairy farms, sheep/beef farms and urban areas in the central part of New Zealand. It was postulated seroprevalence would be higher for farm dogs than urban dogs if the life-cycle of this parasite involves transmission between dogs and cattle. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from dogs that lived on dairy farms (n=161), sheep/beef farms (n=154) and in urban situations (n=150). The relative risk of detecting antibodies to N. caninum using an immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was compared between farm and urban dogs. RESULTS: The relative risk of having a titre of > or = 1:200 to N. caninum was 2.43 (95% CI=1.88-3.14) for dairy-farm dogs and 3.16 (95% CI=2.48-4.02) for sheep/beef-farm dogs, compared with urban dogs. At this titre, which is currently used in New Zealand to indicate seropositivity, seroprevalence of N. caninum infection was 30.7% in urban dogs, 74.5% in dairy-farm dogs and 96.8% in sheep/beef-farm dogs. CONCLUSION: This observation is consistent with a cycling of this disease between cattle and dogs on farms in New Zealand and with higher exposure of dogs to N. caninum on farms than occurs in urban environments. The prevalence of antibodies in all three groups of dogs tested in this study (dairy-farm dogs, sheep/beef-farm dogs and urban dogs) is higher than has generally been reported elsewhere. New Zealand farm dogs have a higher serological prevalence of N. caninum infection than urban dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Management and disease control practices that break the life-cycle of transmission between cattle and dogs should assist in controlling cattle abortion due to N. caninum.     

A nationwide survey on seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in beef cattle in Uruguay

Bovine abortions due to Neospora caninum infection have been reported worldwide and its economic impact on the beef industry has been acknowledged as a problem. Uruguay has the largest export value of beef per acre in South America. However, no data on the prevalence of N. caninum infection have been available in this country. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of N. caninum infection in beef cattle in Uruguay through a nationwide survey. A two stage sampling design was used with farms being selected in stage one and animals being selected in stage two. A brief questionnaire was administered on each farm. Seroprevalence of N. caninum in 4444 beef cattle from 229 farms in all the counties, except Montevideo, of Uruguay was determined by an ELISA. The data were then analyzed to identify associations between infection and variables such as type of animal (cow or heifer), herd size, use of veterinary advice, productivity of the soil in relation to the national average, use of improved grass, use of mineral salts, use of supplemental feed, and presence of a dog(s) on the farm. The estimated proportion of positive farms for all the beef cattle operations was 69.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 53.7-84.7). The overall cattle seroprevalence was estimated as 13.9% (95% CI, 11.6-16.3). The prevalence estimation by animal category was 14.3% (95% CI, 11.4-17.2) for beef cows and 12.9% (95% CI, 10.0-15.8) for beef heifers. There was no significant difference in the estimated prevalence between the two animal types. There was no significant difference in the animal level prevalence of N. caninum infection among different herd sizes. None of the herd demographic or management variables was significantly associated with the seropositivity to N. caninum infection. In conclusion, these results show that N. caninum infection is common among beef herds across Uruguay. Since the beef industry is one of the key industries in Uruguay, the economic effect and risk factors of N. caninum infection among beef cattle in this country should be further evaluated in the near future.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in local and imported cattle breeds in the Kars province of Turkey

This study investigates the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the province of Kars in north-eastern Turkey. A total of 301 serum samples, 228 from local breeds of cows with a history of recent abortion and the remaining 73 collected at random from Simmental cows imported from Germany or their offspring, were tested for anti-Neospora antibodies by ELISA. All the serum samples from local breeds were negative for N. caninum antibodies, apart from one which tested inconclusive. In contrast six of the samples (8.2% with 95%CI: 2-14.5%) from Simmental cows tested positive. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) in the seroprevalence of N. caninum between local and Simmental breeds, even if the inconclusive test was considered positive, and the odds ratio of its occurrence in the Simmental breed was 20.3. In conclusion, it is unlikely that N. caninum contributes to abortion in local cattle breeds and our results also suggest that N. caninum was introduced to the region by the importation of Simmental cattle and that the vertical transmission of the parasite in cattle is important in the region.     

Neospora caninum in pastured cattle: determination of climatic, environmental, farm management and individual animal risk factors using remote sensing and geographical information systems

A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted on cattle pasturing in an area of the southern Italian Apennines to evaluate the seroprevalence to Neospora caninum, and to investigate the climatic, environmental, farm management, and individual animal factors that influence the distribution of this protozoan. Blood samples were collected from 864 pastured cattle raised on 81 farms. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to N. caninum using an ELISA assay (HerdCheck), IDEXX). A geographical information system (GIS) for the study area was constructed using the following remote sensing (RS) and landscape feature data: autumn-winter, spring and summer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land cover, elevation, slope, aspect, mean rainfall and minimum, mean, and maximum temperature in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Data on each of these features were then extracted for "buffer zones" consisting of the area included in a circle of 3 km diameter centered on the 81 geo-referenced centroids of the main cattle pastures. Climatic and environmental data obtained from RS and GIS and individual animal characteristics and farm management data obtained from a questionnaire were analyzed in relation to N. caninum seropositivity and antibody titres both by linear and logistic regression models. Out of the 81 farms sampled, 63 (77.8%) had at least one tested animal positive for N. caninum. Out of the 864 bovine sera samples, 266 (30.8%) were found to have antibodies to N. caninum. The results of the logistic regression model show that significantly high seroprevalence to N. caninum was found in heifers/steers and adults, in cattle raised on farms having a large number of dogs, and in cattle raised in buffer zones having high minimum temperatures in the spring, and a narrow extension of summer NDVI. In addition, positive linear correlations were found between N. caninum antibody titres and the number of dogs on farm, and the minimum temperature in spring. All the above determined risk factors for N. caninum seroprevalence indicate that horizontal infection resulting from the ingestion of oocysts shed by dogs is the most probable route of N. caninum infection in pastured cattle of the southern Italian Apennines.     

The importance of bovine neosporosis for abortion in Switzerland

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is one of the most important infectious abortion causes in cattle worldwide. In a Swiss case-control-study we investigated 113 abortion problem farms and 113 control farms. It was possible to detect N. caninum in 21% of 242 investigated aborted fetuses by PCR upon brain samples. Eighty-four % of mothers aborting N. caninum positive fetuses were serologically positive for this parasite. The seroprevalence for N. caninum of all aborting mothers was 44%. Within a period of 3 to 12 months 4,505 cattle from the participating farms were investigated serologically at two different time points. Strong fluctuations of the specific antibody concentration could be observed, resulting in a conversion to seronegativity in the second blood sample in 39% of formerly seropositive animals. Eighteen months after the end of the study, 42 case- and 42 controlfarms were questioned about their present abortion-status. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 80% of the former abortion problem farms observed an improvement of the situation. However, in 43% of those farms no preventive measures had been taken and no significant differences in hygiene, forage and animal turnover could be observed between case- and control-farms. Additionally, no significant differences were detected concerning risk factors such as the presence of farm dogs and the disposal procedure for placental and fetal material.     

Seroepidemiology of beef and dairy herds and fetal study of Neospora caninum in Argentina

The purpose of the present work was to study the epidemiology of Neospora caninum in beef and dairy herds in the Humid Pampas of Argentina. The seroprevalence of N. caninum was evaluated in 2414 serum samples of cows from beef and dairy farms. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to determine specific antibodies. The sera was screened at a dilution >or=1:200 and >or=1:600 in cows with reproductive disease antecedents and without them, respectively. Cows without history of reproductive diseases from nine beef and fifteen dairy farms were grouped according to the percentage (> or or 相似文献   

Serological evidence of Neospora caninum in dual-purpose cattle herds in Venezuela

Bovine neosporosis is a parasitic disease produced by Neospora caninum that induces abortion in cows, and consequently has a negative impact on the herd's reproductive efficiency. The main objective of this research was to determine the serological evidence of N. caninum in cattle herds from Venezuela using an indirect antibody capture ELISA test. Four hundred and fifty-nine (459) serum samples from crossbred adult cows were collected to be tested for Neospora antibodies. The sampled cows came from 15 large farms located in eight important cattle states that have predominant dual-purpose production systems (cattle from these farms are used for both milk and meat production). Fifty-two cows (11.3%) were seropositive to N. Caninum. Thirteen (86.7%) of 15 studied herds had cows seropositive to N. caninum. The average within-herd seroprevalence was 11.5% (range 3.8-36.7%). Cows that aborted in some of these farms had 2.71 (P: 0.009) greater odds to be seropositive when compared to cows that did not abort. Each one of the eight states represented in our study had seropositive animals. These results are the first evidence of exposure to N. caninum in Venezuelan cattle herds, indicating the possible circulation of this pathogen in the country. Further epidemiological studies should be granted to determine the spread of the disease in the Venezuelan cattle industry and its associated risk factors.     

Prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle and dogs from Western Amazon, Brazil, in association with some possible risk factors

For evaluation of the prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and its associated risk factors, serum samples from 2109 cattle (11 beef, 50 dairy and 25 mixed farms) and 174 dogs were examined in the State of Rond?nia, Western Amazon, Brazil. An inquiry was applied in each farm. Sera were examined by the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) using cut off dilution of 1:25 for cattle and 1:50 for dogs. Statistical association between the serologic status and several variables were analyzed by linear and logistic regression. The overall herd prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies for 86 farms was 72% (61.3-81.2%). Prevalence values were 100, 70 and 64% in beef, dairy and mixed herds, respectively. Herd prevalence in beef herds was significantly different (P<0.05) from dairy and mixed herds. The overall animal prevalence of N. caninum in cattle was 8.8%. Prevalence values by animal were similar in different production types (P>0.05), with values of 9.5, 11.2 and 9.7% for beef, dairy or mixed cattle, respectively. Antibodies were found in 12.6% of the 174 examined dogs. Sixteen (22.8%) out of 70 farms with dogs had at least one dog with anti-N. caninum antibodies. The occurrence of antibodies in cattle was statistically associated with farms having more than 25 cows (OR 9.7, 95% IC 2.9-32.2; P=0.0002). There was no significant association between the presence of the dogs, jungle contact or reproductive variables with the occurrence of antibodies in cattle.     

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the People's Republic of China

A seroepidemiological survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle and water buffaloes was carried out in the People's Republic of China. Serum samples were obtained from dairy (n=262, 9 herds in 9 provinces) and beef cattle (n=10, 1 herd) and water buffaloes (n=40) in China. All sera were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an indirect agglutination test (IAT), respectively. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in dairy cattle was 17.2% (45/262), and the herds seroprevalence of N. caninum was 88.9% (8/9), and antibodies to T. gondii were present in 6 cows (2.3%). None of the cows had antibodies against both T. gondii and N. caninum. Antibodies to T. gondii or N. caninum were not found in beef cattle or water buffaloes. The seroprevalence of N. caninum in aborting cows (20.2%) was higher than that in non-aborting cows (16.6%) with an odds ratio of 1.26 (95% CI, 0.54-2.95), but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was no apparent association of N. caninum seropositivity with age or number of pregnancies. This is the first report on the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle and water buffaloes in China.     

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of neosporosis in beef and dairy cattle in Italy

A cross-sectional serological survey for Neospora caninum was carried out on beef and dairy cattle in southern and northern Italy. A total of 111 herds and 1140 animals were tested using an ELISA assay (CHEKIT-Neospora) to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. Management and individual data were collected and analysed both by linear and logistic multiple-regression models in order to find good predictors of the cattle seroprevalence and anti-N. caninum antibody level. At least one seropositive animal was found in 49 herds (44.1%), of which 31 (39.7%) from southern Italy and 18 (54.5%) from northern Italy. A total of 126 head of cattle (11%) were found to be seropositive and the seroprevalence was lower in southern (8.7%) than in northern Italy (16%). One of the best predictors of neosporosis seroprevalence in this study was the practice of self-rearing replacement heifers. Further risk factors were linked to higher stocking density, i.e. animals farmed in large herds and with no summer or permanent grazing practices were more likely to be seropositive than others. Farms with two or more dogs had higher herd seropositivity than farms with one or no dogs and this factor interacted significantly with the farm size and presence of poultry. Among individual characteristics, seropositivity was higher in animals sampled in mid- or late-pregnancy compared to animals either in early pregnancy or not pregnant. There was a significant interaction between the factors for pregnancy status and grazing practices. None of the epidemiological data recorded was a good predictor of the anti-N. caninum antibody level.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis sp. in llamas (Lama glama) from Jujuy, Argentina

Llamas (Lama glama) are South American camelids described as intermediate hosts of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis aucheniae. Due to the potential role of these protozoan infections as a cause of economic losses, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence for T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis sp. in llamas from Argentina. Serum samples from 308 llamas (>2 years old) were collected between 2005 and 2007. A total of 55 farms located in six departments of Jujuy province, Argentina were sampled. Presence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. was determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). For Sarcocystis, 2 different bradyzoites-based antigens were prepared using S. aucheniae and S. cruzi. Sera were tested at dilutions 1:25 and 1:50. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 4.6% serum samples. Fifty percent of departments and 14.5% of farms had positive animals. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 30% of samples, distributed in 66% of departments and 43.6% of farms. Antibodies to Sarcocystis sp. were detected in 96% of samples and all departments and farms had positive animals, suggesting frequent contact between llamas and canids. Co-infection with N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. was also recorded. Low seroprevalence of N. caninum in llamas detected in this study could be related to climatic and geographical conditions that limit cattle breeding activity, reducing the source of infection for definitive hosts. Seroprevalence of T. gondii and the positive animal distribution suggest frequent contamination of grass with felid faeces. In conclusion, this is the first report of combined seroprevalence for N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. in llamas. Further studies are needed to determine the potential role of these protozoan infections as cause of abortion in Argentina as well as presence of these protozoans in llama meat used for human consumption.     

Cross-sectional survey in pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany: seroprevalence and risk factors of infections with Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum in sows

A cross-sectional survey was performed to estimate the prevalences of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (ELISA, IFAT), Sarcocystis spp. (ELISA, using S. miescheriana as antigen) and Neospora caninum (ELISA, immunoblotting) in sows from breeding farms in southern Hesse, Germany. A total of 2041 plasma samples of sows from 94 randomly selected farms was examined. Data on farm profiles, husbandry management and sows were collected by a questionnaire and exploratively analysed. For T. gondii the ELISA results agreed well with the results obtained by IFAT (kappa=0.71). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by ELISA in 19% of the sows. Sixty-nine percent of the farms had at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of >or=50% was observed in 14% of all farms. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age of sows. The within-herd seroprevalence was significantly higher in farms with reproductive disorders than in those without such problems. On the farm level, the farm type 'piglet production' (versus 'pedigree breeding' or 'farrow-to-finish') was the only risk factor associated with the presence of T. gondii-seropositive sows. Antibodies to Sarcocystis spp. were found in 29% of the sows. Seventy-two percent of the farms harboured at least one seropositive sow, and a within-farm seroprevalence of >or=50% was detected in 23% of all farms. The seroprevalence increased significantly with the age of sows. On the farm level, only the farm type 'piglet production' (versus 'pedigree breeding') and the replacement of sows by purchasing (versus raising on the own farm) were identified as risk factors for seropositivity. Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in one sow using both the screening ELISA and the confirmatory immunoblotting technique. This may indicate the first natural N. caninum infection in pigs.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dairy and beef cattle with reproductive disorders in Japan

Serum samples from 145 dairy and 65 beef cattle with reproductive disorders and 54 normally calving dairy cattle (controls) in Japan were tested for presence of Neospora caninum antibodies by use of an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, titer 1:200). Overall, seroprevalence of N. caninum was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in dairy cattle (20.0%, 29/145) than in beef cattle (1.5%, 1/65). In cattle which aborted, seroprevalence of N. caninum was significantly higher (P = 0.041) in dairy cattle (26.1%, 23/88, compared with controls (3.7%, 2/54)) than in beef cattle (5.0%, 1/20), indicating that neosporosis might be a more common problem in dairy cattle than in beef cattle in Japan. Seropositive cattle were 9.2 times more likely to abort compared to seronegative cows. Abortions associated with N. caninum seropositivity in this study were most frequently observed in the second trimester, and the mean gestational age of the fetuses aborted from seropositive dams was 5.7 months. In conclusions, N. caninum seems to be causing serious economic losses in the dairy industry in Japan. This is the first report on an objective comparison of seroprevalence of dairy and beef cattle with reproductive disorders in Asia.     

Serological survey and first finding of Neospora caninum in Taiwan, and the detection of its antibodies in various body fluids of cattle

A serological survey for antibodies against Neospora caninum in cattle, goats and farm dogs in Taiwan was carried out. Sera of 613 cattle from 25 dairy farms, 24 goats from six goat farms and 13 dogs from six dairy cattle farms were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The same sera were also tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using latex agglutination test. Of the 613 cattle sera, 44.9% (275/613) were found to have antibodies against N. caninum. Among these 275 positive cattle, 77 also possessed antibodies against T. gondii. Nevertheless, 92 cattle which were negative for N. caninum showed antibodies against T. gondii. Of the 24 goat sera tested, none was found to be positive for N. caninum but 50% (12/24) were positive for T. gondii. Of the 13 farm dogs tested, three were found to possess antibodies against N. caninum, two of which tested negative for T. gondii antibodies. Besides sera, antibodies to N. caninum in cattle could be observed in the milk, vaginal secretion and saliva. However, the order of higher frequency of antibodies detection is in sera, milk, vaginal secretion and saliva. This is the first demonstration of the presence of antibodies to N. caninum in vaginal secretion and saliva of cattle. A 50microm cyst was observed in the brain of one of the 13 prednisolone-treated SPF ICR mice which had been peritoneally inoculated 4 months earlier with the brain homogenate of a serologically N. caninum positive but T. gondii negative cattle. Thus, we have confirmed for the first time the presence of N. caninum in Taiwan and also observed that it is widespread among dairy cattle and farm dogs.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from farms

This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with neosporosis in sheep and dogs from rural properties. 1497 blood samples were collected from sheep and 42 from dogs that cohabited with sheep from 16 farms located in the central region of S?o Paulo State, Brazil. For the detection of N. caninum antibodies it was performed the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT ≥ 25). For the epidemiological study it was applied a questionnaire for the owners or responsible from the sheep and dogs regarding informations related to neosporosis. The seroprevalence obtained out of the 1497 sheep sera tested was 8.0% (CI95%=6.7-9.2%) and out of the 42 dogs 4.8% (CI95%=0-7.2%). Variables statistically related to seropositivity for N. caninum in sheep were: dams well as water supply (P=0.0004; OR=2.15), presence of other domestic canids (P=0.0013; OR=2.38) and presence of reproductive problems (P=0.0031; OR=1.75).     

Nationwide seroprevalence of Neospora caninum among dairy cattle in Japan

Serum samples from 2420 clinically healthy dairy cattle, randomly selected from stored sera in 18 districts of Japan, were tested for the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer > or =1:200). Nationwide seroprevalence is estimated at 5.7% (139/2420). Seropositive cattle were detected in all surveyed districts despite the evidence of confirmed case reports of bovine neosporosis, showing that N. caninum is widely distributed throughout Japan. Age-specific seroprevalence did not increase with cattle age, suggesting that Neospora infection is likely to be transmitted vertically rather than horizontally in Japan. Considering that N. caninum seropositive cows are thought to be more likely to abort, substantial fetal losses may be induced by N. caninum infection in Japan. Devising strategies are needed to reduce the economic impact on the Japanese dairy industry. This is the first study to investigate the nationwide seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle in Asia.