1. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil
- Author
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Juliana Correa Bernardes, Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira, Winni Alves Ladeia, Eloiza Teles Caldart, Aline Ticiani Pereira Paschoal, Thais Agostinho Martins, José Victor Pronievicz Barreto, Maria Eduarda Crespi, Luiz Daniel de Barros, Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino, Silvana Gomez Gonzalez, and João Luis Garcia
- Subjects
Neosporosis ,toxoplasmosis ,dairy cattle ,seroprevalence ,risk factors ,Animal culture ,SF1-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Neospora caninum is a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle worldwide as it leads to abortion and animal repositioning. Although Toxoplasma gondii does not cause a reproductive problem in cattle, consuming raw or uncooked beef poses the risk of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in dairy cattle in the West and Northwest regions of São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 653 serum samples from dairy cows were analyzed using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Epidemiological data from the farms were associated with the serological results of the animals by logistic regression based on the presence of antibodies. The frequencies of the antibodies against N. caninum and T. gondii were 41.6% (272/653) and 11.5% (75/653), respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between: the serum anti-N. caninum antibodies and breed, history of food supplementation for calves, introduction of outside animals that later presented reproductive problems, and history of reproductive problems by the trimester of gestation. The present study highlights the importance of neosporosis in dairy cattle in the study regions and that the inclusion of this parasite in the investigation of animals with reproductive disorders is important.
- Published
- 2024
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