SEROPREVALENCE OF Neospora caninum AND Toxoplasma gondii INFECTIONS IN A DAIRY CATTLE FARM FROM SOUTH-EAST OF ROMANIA

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoan parasites that can cause reproductive disorders in ruminants. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii infections in a dairy cattle farm in South-Eastern Romania. For this, a total of 157 blood samples from 84 dairy cows and 73 heifers with reproductive disorders were analyzed for N. caninum specific antibodies. In addition, of these, 127 samples (54 dairy cows and 73 heifers), were also analyzed for T. gondii specific antibodies by using commercial ELISA kits. Overall, 5.1% (95% CI: 1.66-8.54) and 11.8% (95% CI: 6.20-17.42) of tested animals were seropositive for N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively, and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.59-3.74) were positive for both parasites. The apparent seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively, according to the analyzed category, varied between 7.1% and 9.3% (dairy cows) and from 2.7% and 13.7% (heifers). These results emphasize the need of periodical screenings for N. caninum and T. gondii infections, associated with applying appropriate control measures, in the frame of good management practices.