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Background: Neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by Neospora caninum. This parasite is an obligate intracellular coccidia similar to Toxoplasma gondii with a global distribution. With regard to the experimental studies, vertical transmission of the parasite in the monkey (non-human primates) has increased the concern about the zoonotic potential of this disease. The principal aim of the current research was to perform a mini-review on investigations regarding the Neospora infection in humans on a global scale for the first time. Methods: All peer-reviewed articles (published until April 2021) on the Neospora infection in humans were searched in English databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest. Results: Based on data in the available articles, the presence of antibodies against the Neospora infection was between 0 and 37.7% in people from different countries. The seroprevalence rate of this infection in HIV-positive individuals was higher (26.6% and 37.7%) compared to other cases. Finally, the genomic DNA of Neospora was detected up to 1% using molecular biology techniques. Conclusions: Overall, the detection of anti-Neospora antibodies in humans indicated that people have been exposed to the parasite. Comprehensive research studies are essential for clarifying the risk factors associated with the Neospora infection in humans. This report provides the baseline information for future researchers. Molecular investigations and genotypic works on N. caninum isolates are highly recommended as well.

Knowledge on neosporosis and associated risk factors in different species of animals are so important for designing the control programs and reduce the economic losses globally. This literature review targeted for evaluating the infection rate of Neospora caninum in animals in Iran. Until April 2020, all of published documents in the main English and Persian-language databases were searched. A total number of 110 documents (English = 85 and Persian = 25) were extracted. Most of reports were sero-epidemiological studies using ELISA in Iranian cattle population. The range of Neospora infection was 3.8–76.2% in cattle, 0–54.6% in dogs, 0.9–9.9% in sheep, 6.2% in goats, 19.2–55.9% in buffaloes, 20–42.2% in horses, 52% in donkeys, 3.2–27% in camels, 14% and 19% in cats, and 0–20.4% in rodents. This rate in birds was 17.3% in chicken, 9.8% and 30.4% in pigeons, 2.8% and 3.7% in sparrows, and 9.9% in hooded crows. This is a comprehensive literature review on Neospora infection in Iran at the first time. The infection of N. caninum is widespread in Iran especially in dogs and cattle population. This review can provide baseline information for future research. Study on other hosts especially on wild and exotic animals is recommended for exact estimate of neosporosis in Iran. Investigations into molecular diagnosis and genotyping of N. caninum strains are also needed; this will be helpful for developing vaccines and finding the connection among wild and domestic cycles of disease. Education on the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection for is suggested farmers and rural public.

Different N. caninum strains with distinct biological characteristics and pathogenicity have been introduced from various areas of the world. This study aimed to detect Neospora-infection in different hosts from Iran using the nested-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and to perform the phylogenetic analysis of N. caninum isolates using the Nc-5 gene. Different species of parasite hosts (cattle, dogs, rodents, cats, and birds) from the dairy farms with history of abortion with intensive breeding systems in Hamedan Province, Iran were included for sampling. The stillbirth fetuses of cattle, sheep, and goats were also collected from the slaughterhouse. The nested-PCR technique was used to identify the Neospora-DNA in the aborted fetal materials. The PCR products of the positive samples were sequenced and compared with other isolates in GenBank. Antibodies to N. caninum was found in 19.1% of dogs. Also, 11.4% of dogs were positive for Neospora-like oocysts using microscopy method. The molecular prevalence of N. caninum was 10.6% in dogs, 13.6% in cattle, 35.4% in the aborted fetuses of cows, 31.9% in rodents, 7.6% in pigeons, 1.9% in sparrows, 5.1% in cats, and 7% in the semen sample of bulls. A sampled coyote was positive while the stillbirth fetuses of sheep and goats were negative. The multiple sequence alignments indicated that 34 sequences of N. caninum bore a 94.9-99.3% similarity to each other. Hence, these sequences were classified into two major clusters (clusters A and B) and seven sub-groups (isolates 1-7). The sequence of coyote had a high similarity to the sequences derived from dogs and cows. Also, root diagram showed the isolates of current study and previous reported from Iran have a similar origin. This study provided a phylogenetic analysis of Neospora-infection in different hosts, and for the first time, explored Neospora-infection in coyotes from Iran. Different isolates were detected in the studied population in the region. Comparison of the sequences showed the farm dogs play an important role in the life cycle and distribution of the parasite; so the relationship of dogs with the herd and their access to aborted materials should be restricted. Also, regular control of rodents' population and culling of seropositive cows with a history of abortion is essential for cutting the chain of transmission.

Background: Domestic animals play a significant role in the distribution of Brucella infection to humans. Particularly, horses have a high impact on the transmission of zoonoses due to long life and multi-function. This project was conducted in Hamedan Veterinary Office for the primary assessment of Brucella infection in horses in Hamedan province using the serology technique. Methods: Between April 2019 and January 2019, a total of 495 horse blood samples was collected from different equestrian clubs of Hamedan province. The animals were of different breeds without the clinical signs of disease. The samples were evaluated for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT). Results: All animals were negative for Brucella antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of Brucella infection in horses from an intensive system in Iran. The prevalence of brucellosis in horses was low and it had no significant impact on the transmission of infection to humans. Conclusions: Regular screening programs, along with the quarantine and elimination of animal transfer are essential for controlling the disease.

Background: Neosporosis is considered as a ubiquitous disease in Iran and other countries. This research was expected to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of Neospora caninum in household dogs in Hamadan Municipality, Iran. Methods: A total of 184 whole blood was evaluated for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All seropositive animals were affirmed by molecular techniques. Results: Based on serology and molecular methods, N. caninum infection was detected in 4.9% (95% CI = 4.9 ± 3.1%) of animals. In addition, the highest infection rate was significantly recognized in female dogs (57.1%) with under 6 months old (54.4%). Additionally, the clinical signs of neosporosis were observed in 2 out of 4 positive dogs (P0.05) with breeding, food regime, housing, and direct contact with infected animals. Conclusions: In general, the serological and molecular outcomes were parallel together. It was concluded that this is a universal assessment of risk factors related to N. caninum in Iranian house dogs for the first time.

Background: Dogs play a significant role in the maintenance of various pathogens in the environment and their possible transmission to humans. In the case of Brucella spp., infected dogs can shed organisms into the environment via urine and vaginal discharges, and aborted materials or feces. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Brucella sp. infection in dogs in the rural regions of Hamedan, western Iran. Methods: Between June and November 2018, Blood samples were obtained from cephalic or saphenous veins of 180 stray dogs from 6 rural regions of Hamedan during June and November 2018. The sera samples were evaluated for the presence of antibodies against Brucella spp. using Rose Bengal plate test (RBT) and Wright’s serum agglutination test (Wright SAT). Results: Seroprevalence rate of Brucella infection was 3.3% by RBT. (6/180; 95% CI: 0.7%–5.9%). All of the serum positive dogs had titers of 1:80 by Wright SAT. The seropositivity was 3.1% in males, 3.4% in females, 3.2% in 2-year-old dogs. No statistically significant correlation was found between the infection rate and gender of dogs (P=0.907) or age groups (P=0.772). Conclusions: The presence of infected dogs in rural regions is an important risk factor for the transmission of Brucella to humans and livestock. It is suggested that villagers, shepherds, and their families especially children should be provided with the information about risks of getting infection when handling an infected dog.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic food-borne disease with global distribution. The principal aim of this research was to detect the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle, dogs and cats in dairy farms with high incidence of abortion, as well as to identify associated risk factors in Hamedan, Iran. A number of four large dairy farms with high history of abortion were selected and evaluated for risk factors associated to T. gondii infection. Blood samples were taken from 400 of pregnant cattle, 85 of dogs and 35 of cats (all of the dogs and cats population from interring and around of farms were sampled). The samples were examined for presence of antibodies to T. gondii infection using ELISA technique. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection were detected 13% in cattle, 47.1% in dogs and 40% in cats. With regard to cattle seropositivity and associated risk factors, significant differences were found regarding abortion history (P = 0.026), race (P = 0.035), rodents’ presence in farm (P = 0.006) and age groups (P = 0.011). Also, there were no significant differences between seroprevalence rate and stage of gestation (P = 0.998), type of breeding service (P = 0.561), stillbirth history (P = 0.302), dog contact with herd (P = 0.302) as well as poultry presence in the farm (P = 0.302). In both dogs and cats, the seroprevalence rate for females was higher than males (P 0.05). This is the comprehensive evaluation of risk factors associated to toxoplasmosis in Iranian dairy farms at the first time. Our finding indicated that toxoplasmosis may partly be responsible for transmission to humans and also abortion and economic losses in dairy farms. Improve the sanitary strategies for reducing the risk factors in animals’ husbandry and launching control programs are recommended.

Background: Dogs, especially stray dogs, act as the major carriers of different infectious and parasitic agents in the environment; hence, their possible transmission to humans is a public health concern. The principal aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in stray dogs of rural regions of Hamadan, West of Iran. Methods: During this cross-sectional survey in 2018, 180 blood samples were evaluated for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii infections was detected to be 5% (95% CI: 2.8-8.2%) and 35% (95% CI: 28.1-41.9%), respectively. In addition, coinfection was detected in 2.8% of animals. No significant differences were found between infection rate, sex, and age of animals regarding both parasites (P>0.05). Conclusions: This study provides the first insight into the infection of dogs in a region with the prevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii.

Placentally, transmission of Neospora caninum plays significant role on retaining of infection and economic losses in dairy farms. The objective of present study was to assess placental transmission of N. caninum in Iranian dairy cattle. A total of 476 blood samples of pregnant dairy cattle were randomly collected for serology test using ELISA technique. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected for conventional PCR and Nested-PCR to amplify 330bp and 100bp fragment length of NC5 gene, respectively. Positive animals were follow-up during gestation till abortion and/or full term delivery occurred. Molecularly, 25.3% (118/476; 95% CI: 21%-28.6%) of examined animals were seropositive for N. caninum infection in Holstein cattle (15.1%) with2 years-old (75%) and history of abortion. The infection was detected. TT and abortion occurred in 13.6% and 3.57% of animals, respectively. Aborted cattle (94.1%, 16/17) were significantly infected to N. caninum and history of abortion was recorded in 42.4% of infected cattle. Placental transmission and abortion in naturally infected dairy cattle due to N. caninum was the first molecular evidence in all examined herds of cattle. It was also uncovered N. caninum had significant role on cattle abortion. Further studies for culling of seropositive cattle with history of abortion, associated risk factors related to neosporosis and lunch control program for reducing side effects of infection are essential in the region.

Neospora caninum plays an important role in abortion and economic losses in dairy industry worldwide. The main target of this work was to detect the infection rate of N. caninum in various hosts in dairy farms for identifying the risk factors and applying appropriate control programs to reduce the number of abortions. The study was conducted in dairy farms with high incidence of abortion in Hamedan province, West of Iran. After the primary assessment, we conducted a controlling program for reducing the Neospora‑infection rate and associated abortions. Before implementing the control program, the seropositivity was 24.8% in cows (N=476 distributed in 10 farms) and 8.6% (N=185) in dogs. Abortion occurred in 3.57% of pregnant cows. 94.1% of aborted cows were positive for Neospora‑infection. Based on molecular technique, the infection rate was detected in 7.3% of cats (N=41), in 25% of pigeons (N=19)and in 11.8% of rodents (N=51). After the implementation of neosporosis control programs in the farms, the seropositivity of N. caninum decreased to 8.2% in cows and 2.9% in dogs. After the one‑year follow‑up, no cases of abortions were reported in the farms. This was the first parallel evaluation of Neospora‑infection and controlling programs in Iranian dairy farms. Regular control of rodents, retesting of seronegative animals and farm biosecurity measures are recommended for reducing the abortion incidence. The access of dogs to the herd and to aborted materials should be restricted.

Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-transmitted, viral, and non-contagious disease in several species of domestic and wild ruminants. Sheep is the most susceptible host for bluetongue virus (BTV) in ruminants. In current study, 556 serum samples of ewes were assessed by competitive ELISA to investigate the serum status of BTV antibodies and risk factors affecting its seroprevalence in sheep flocks of Hamedan province, west part of Iran. In total, 256 out of 556 (46%) samples were found seropositive against BTV in all examined counties with different prevalence (ranging from 23.9 to 85%). The mean of age in positive and negative groups (2.87 ± 0.83 and 2.94 ± 0.83, respectively) was not significantly different but the seroprevalence rates showed a reduction by increasing of age in sheep herds (P

The bulk milk examination is a reliable screening tool for monitoring the quality of milk in the farms. The infection to Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella sp. Was evaluated in bulk milk samples of dairy farms in Hamedan province, West part of Iran. All the dairy farms (n = 149) were examined for N. caninum, T. gondii and Brucella infections using milk ring test (MRT), microbiology, serology (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay), and molecular techniques. Based on molecular methods, Brucella-infection was negative in all farms; while, 55 %, 5.4 % and 2.7 % of samples were positive for N. caninum, T. gondii and mix infection, respectively. The highest Neospora-infection was detected in the farms with history of abortion in fall and winter. There was significant association between Neospora-infection and the presence of dogs and rodents in the farms, herd size, and age of the animals. Also, a significant association was seen between Toxoplasma-infection and the presence of cats and rodents in the farms, as well as age of the animals. Average total bacterial count (TBC) was calculated 1.14 × 106±1.1 × 106. The highest TBC was in the farms from Central locations of studied area (5.7 × 106±2.24 × 106), farms with more than 120 animals (7.9 × 106±2.8 × 106), and farms with ≥50-months age (1.74 × 106±6.3 × 105) in spring and summer (6.9 × 106±3.7 × 106). The number of somatic cells was estimated between 1 × 104 and 2 × 106 (Average = 4.2 × 105±3.39 × 105). The current study was a comprehensive evaluation of Neospora, Toxoplasma and Brucella infections in milk samples of Iranian dairy farms for the first time. Neospora-infection is responsible for economic losses in the region. Health education and milk pasteurization are so helpful for inhibiting the milk borne diseases. To reduce the risk factors, predict and design the appropriate schemes like redundant of heterogeneous animals are recommended.

Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion and economic losses among dairy farms in Iran and other countries. The main goal of current investigation was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against N. caninum and associated risk factors in dairy herds with history of abortion in Hamedan province of West Iran. A total numbers of 476 and 185 blood samples of pregnant cattle and farm dogs from 10 dairy farms with history of abortion were randomly collected. Bulk milk sample was taken from each farm. All samples were subjected for detection of IgG antibody against N. caninum using ELISA technique. Of all examined animals, 24.8% of cattle and 8.65% of dogs were seropositive to N. caninum. The seroprevalence had significant differences with abortion, stillbirth, metritis, breed, close contact to dogs, wild carnivores, rodents, poultry, and pregnancy using artificial insemination method. There were no significant differences among seroprevalence and different age groups, number and stage of gestation, and herd population. In all investigated farms, bulk milk examination was positive. In examined dogs, there was significant difference between seroprevalence and sex. It was concluded that N. caninum infection may be responsible for abortion and economic losses in dairy farms of the region. This was also the first comprehensive report on associated risk factors to N. caninum infection in dairy farms in the region. Keywords: Neospora caninum, Dairy cattle, Risk factor, Serology, Abortion, Dogs

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic food-borne disease with global distribution. The principal aim of this research was to detect the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle, dogs and cats in dairy farms with high incidence of abortion, as well as to identify associated risk factors in Hamedan, Iran. A number of four large dairy farms with high history of abortion were selected and evaluated for risk factors associated to T. gondii infection. Blood samples were taken from 400 of pregnant cattle, 85 of dogs and 35 of cats (all of the dogs and cats population from interring and around of farms were sampled). The samples were examined for presence of antibodies to T. gondii infection using ELISA technique. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection were detected 13% in cattle, 47.1% in dogs and 40% in cats. With regard to cattle seropositivity and associated risk factors, significant differences were found regarding abortion history (P = 0.026), race (P = 0.035), rodents’ presence in farm (P = 0.006) and age groups (P = 0.011). Also, there were no significant differences between seroprevalence rate and stage of gestation (P = 0.998), type of breeding service (P = 0.561), stillbirth history (P = 0.302), dog contact with herd (P = 0.302) as well as poultry presence in the farm (P = 0.302). In both dogs and cats, the seroprevalence rate for females was higher than males (P 0.05). This is the comprehensive evaluation of risk factors associated to toxoplasmosis in Iranian dairy farms at the first time. Our finding indicated that toxoplasmosis may partly be responsible for transmission to humans and also abortion and economic losses in dairy farms. Improve the sanitary strategies for reducing the risk factors in animals’ husbandry and launching control programs are recommended.

Linguatulosis is one of the neglected parasitic zoonoses. Domestic ruminants are the important source for human infection. The main goal of the present investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of nymphal stages of L. serrata in domestic ruminant in Hamedan province, western Iran. The mesenteric and mediastinal lymph node of 1080 animals were taken randomly from different slaughterhouses of Hamedan province. All lymph nodes were examined for nymphal stage of L. serrata using parasitological methods (digestion technique). The nymph of L. serrata was found in 31.4% (69/220) of goats, 15% (60/400) of sheep, and 7.4% (34/460) of cattle ( P =0.457). The infection rate in beef cattle, dairy cattle and native cattle was 1.3%, 6.4% and 12.6%, respectively ( P =0.981). No evidence of correlation between gender, age groups, and L. serrata infection rate in sheep and cattle ( P >0.05). In goats, the infection rate in >2yr old (48%) was higher than ≤2yr old (8.6%) ( P

Objective: Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis with global distribution. The disease remains endemic in many countries including Iran, while its seroprevalence in endemic area is not well documented. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in Hamedan province, west of Iran. Material and methods: A total of 3,250 blood samples from 2,550 sheep and 700 goats were collected randomly. All samples were analyzed for the presence of Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal, Wright standard tube agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol agglutination tests. Results: The seroprevalence rate of brucellosis in animals and flock level were found in 4.6% and 13.6% of goats and 3% and 27.9% of sheep, respectively. No evidence of correlation between gender and Brucella infection rate were found in animals ( P >0.05). Statistical significant differences was seen between age groups and infection rate in goats ( P =0.033, OR=2.1); unlike to sheep ( P =0.373). Also, the infection rate in nomads population of sheep was higher than fix location animals ( P =0.003; OR=1.9); unlike to goats ( P =0.195). In animals with history of abortion and vaccination against brucellosis, seroprevalence rate was significantly lower than other ( P

Objective: To determine the fauna and frequency of hard tick species on sheep and cattle in Hamedan Province, Western Iran. Methods: Tick sampling was performed on the whole body of 18000 sheep and 4200 cattle in 3 rural regions (mountain, plateau, and plain-mountainous zone) during the year of 2010 to 2011. The ticks were identified with appropriate identification keys. Results: A total of 1534 hard ticks (62.1% male and 37.9% female) were collected in animals. The infestation rate was found 2.4% in animals (4.2% in cattle and 2.0% in sheep). The ticks were classified into 3 genera and 7 species including: Hyalomma marginatum (34.1%), Hyalomma excavatum (29.7%), Rhipicephalus bursa (13.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (7.5%), Hyalomma detritum (7.1%), Haemaphysalis punctata (5.1%) and Hyalomma dromedarii (2.7%). Conclusions: Current study is the first report of fauna and frequency of hard ticks in this region. The results showed that Hyalomma marginatum is the dominant hard tick species. Further studies are needed to determine the importance of Ixodidae ticks of veterinary and public health in this region of Iran.

Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite which may cause abortion in cattle. This study investigated occurrences of antibodies against N. caninum in Iranian native cattle. From September 2010 to September 2011, blood samples (n=768) of native cows were collected randomly from different rural regions of Hamedan (n=400) and Kurdistan provinces (n=368) located to the western part of Iran. All the samples were evaluated for IgG antibodies against N. caninum using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The IgG antibodies to N. caninum were found in 14.2% (n=109/768) of serum samples (95% CI: 11.74 - 16.66). There was a significant difference between seropositivity and abortion history (p

OBJECTIVE Dogs are the definitive or reservoirs hosts of more than 60 zoonotic parasites. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in pet dogs in Hamedan, Western Iran. METHODS In cross-sectional study, 210 stool samples were collected randomly in pet dogs without clinical signs in Hamedan in April to December 2010. All samples were concentrated by formalin-ether technique. Smears of the feces were prepared and stained with Ziehl-Neelsen, trichrome, and iodine stains. RESULTS During coproscopy, the overall proportion of GI parasitic infection was found in 6.7% (14/210) of samples. The detected parasites with their frequencies were Cryptosporidium spp. (3.8%), Toxocara canis (1.9%), and Giardia spp. (0.95%). A significant difference was not observed between infection rates in different age groups) p=0.617) or between genders (p=0.627). CONCLUSION This is the first report of GI parasites in dogs from Western Iran. Although the rate of infection is low, the results showed that the pet dogs are reservoirs for zoonotic GI parasites and should be considered important to public health in this region. A combination of routine screening fecal samples for parasites, strategic anthelmintics regimens, and improved pet owner education is highly recommended for the control of GI parasites in pet dogs.

Information on the occurrence, diversity and economic losses due to Eimeria infection on cattle farms is lacking in Western Iran. The principal aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in cattle in Hamedan province, Western Iran. In a cross-sectional study performed from June 2010 to April 2013, 400 faecal samples were collected randomly from animals without clinical signs from different cattle farms of Hamedan province and examined for Eimeria species infection using parasitology methods. The overall infection rate of Eimeria species was 8.25%. Nine species of Eimeria were identified including: E. bovis (23.7%), E. zuernii (19.2%), E. canadensis (12.6%), E. ellipsodalis (11.4%), E. alabamensis (10.4%), E. pellita (9.1%), E. auburnensis (6.8%), E. cylindrica (4.6%) and E. bukidnonensis (2.3%). There were statistically significant differ - ences with respect to Eimeria infection and age group (P < 0.0001, OR = 6), although no statistically significant relationships were found for sex (P = 0.35) or faecal consistency (P = 0.587). In conclusion, this study is the first to report the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in cattle in Hamedan province. Infection with pathogenic Eimeria spp. was asymptomatic in all animals; this is the reason for the transmission of infection by carriers in this region. Therefore, integrated strategies should be utilised to prevent and control Eimeria spp. infection on cattle farms.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs, horses, and donkeys from west of Iran. Blood samples were collected randomly from 270 dogs, 120 horses, and 100 donkeys from Hamedan province. Using Modified Agglutination Test (MAT),10.7 %, 13.3 %, and 47 % of samples were seropositive in dogs, horses, and donkeys, respectively. There were statistical differences among dogs infection and age groups, and type of dogs, unlike to gender. In donkeys, there were statistical differences in age groups and gender, contrast to horses. This study is the first report of T. gondii infection in donkeys from Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to take integrated strategies for prevention and control of infection in animals, which could help to reduce human infections in this region.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from Hamedan province (West of Iran). Blood samples were collected from 1,046 cattle and 270 dogs in this area. Cattle and dog samples were tested and analyzed using ELISA and IFAT, respectively. IgG-antibodies to N. caninum were found in 27 and 17.4 % of dogs and cattle samples, respectively. In cattle study, The association between infection and type of cattle was statistically significant (P = 0.004). Also, significant statistical differences were observed regarding to stray canids presence in farm (P

Many species of animals play the role of intermediate host for Neospora caninum. Although the neosporosis has a global distribution, however there is no information on goats' infection in Iran. The main goal of present study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in goats of western Iran. A total of 450 sera were taken and analyzed for antibodies to N. caninum using ELISA technique. Of those, 28 (6.2%) examined goats were found to be seropositive (95%, CI=6.2±2.2%). In which male goats (11.1%) had the highest IgG against N. caninum with more than 2 years-old (54.4%). There was significant difference between prevalence and age. Positive association were in animals with history of abortion (18/30, 60%) and IgG against N. caninum. No correlations were found between male and female. This was the first report on N. caninum infection in Iranian goats and may be responsible for abortion and economic losses in goat husbandry in the region.goat, Neospora caninum, ELISA, Iran.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora infection in horses and donkeys in Hamedan province, Western Iran. Materials and Methods: In cross-sectional study, Blood samples (n=220) were collected from 120 horses and 100 donkeys in 2012 year. All sera were screened for Neospora using Neospora modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT). Results: Antibodies to Neospora infection in horses and donkeys were reported in 40.8% and 52%, respectively. There was not significant correlation demonstrated between infection rates in different age groups and genders. Conclusion: The current study is the first report of Neospora infection in donkeys from Iran. Further investigations and designing control strategies is recommended.

The main aim of present study was to determine the sero-prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) among stray and owner shepherd dogs in Hamedan province, West of Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2013 using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples (n = 380) were collected randomly from 170 stray and 210 owner shepherd dogs in different regions of Hamedan province. All of animals were asymptomatic. Antibodies to Leishmania infantum were found 3.95 % (0.95 CI: 2–5.9 %). The sero-prevalence rate of infection in stray dogs (6.47 %) was reported higher than owner shepherd dogs (1.9 %) (P = 0.023). There was significant differences among age groups (P = 0.003); unlike to different gender (P = 0.11). This is the first report of CVL in western Iran. Further comprehensive studies in infection rate and predominant Leishmania species in humans, sand flies and animals hosts (wild canines and rodents) is recommended in this region.

The main goal of current study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in broiler farms in Hamedan province, western Iran. Chicks and fecal samples were collected in all of the 220 broiler farms in this region. All viscera were examined for gross pathological changes. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using parasitology methods. The overall rate of coccidiosis was 31.8%; E. acervulina (75.7%), E. tenella (54.3%), E. necatrix (28.6%), and E. maxima (20%) were determined. Mixed infections were observed in all of the positive farms. There was a statistical significant difference (P<0.05) among infection rate and age groups, dysentery, history of colibacilosis and clostridiosis in farm, and history of coccidiostats consumption, unlike to breed (P>0.05). This is the first report of coccidiosis rate in broiler farms in this region. Further additional researches and design control strategies for improving management in farms are necessary.