Risk factor analysis associated with Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum in Cattle of Pastoral Production System in Teltelle District of Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

“… 36 , 37 So far, it has been stated that animals with free access to pasture might have a greater opportunity of horizontal N. caninum exposure compared to those raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. 38 However, in our current findings, the lower seroreaction in the free-range rearing system was quite contradicting with several previous findings. 1 , 22 , 38 The difference in prevalence observed in the current study could arise from the differences in sample size, where the number of samples used for this study was minimal.…”

“… 38 However, in our current findings, the lower seroreaction in the free-range rearing system was quite contradicting with several previous findings. 1 , 22 , 38 The difference in prevalence observed in the current study could arise from the differences in sample size, where the number of samples used for this study was minimal. In addition, the lower prevalence might be associated with the duration of the study, where this study was conducted during harsh climate conditions and severe drought that may hinder the maintenance and sporulation of N. caninum oocysts.…”

“…25 A more recent study revealed that N. caninum is capable of destroying a variety of nerve cells including those of cranial and spinal nerves. 38 Thus, destructions of cranial and spinal nerves may cause paralysis of abdominal musculature that might diminish the expulsion power of the dam during parturition.…”

“…This finding was in consistent with other findings. 27 , 38 , 42 The management system is a crucial factor in determining disease occurrence in animal husbandry worldwide. 43 In dairy farm industries, the likelihood of disease occurrence is mainly determined by housing type, the hygienic status of watering and feeding troughs, humidity and air circulation, and condition of biosecurity standards.…”

Neospora caninum Infection in Cattle in the Province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, Southwest of Iran: Seroprevalence and Molecular Assessment

“…A higher prevalence of Neospora (46%) has been reported from Mashhad in the East of Iran by Razmi et al [9]. Also, higher prevalence for bovine neosporosis has been reported from other countries including Poland (56%) and Brazil (47.36%) [24,25].…”