ARS | Publication request: Neosporosis in animals-the last five years

Submitted to: Veterinary Parasitology
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2011
Publication Date: August 1, 2011
Citation: Dubey, J.P., Schares, G. 2011. Neosporosis in animals-the last five years. Veterinary Parasitology. 180:90-108.

Interpretive Summary: Neospora caninum is a single-celled parasite, very closely related to Toxoplasma gondii. It causes abortion in cattle and paralysis in companion animals. It is the most important cause of abortion in dairy cattle. Dogs and coyotes are its definitive hosts and main reservoirs of infection. This parasite is transmitted efficiently from the cow to the calf transplacentally.In the present papers the authors review current knowledge on neosporosis in animals. The results will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, and veterinarians.

Technical Abstract: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misdiagnosed as Toxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in 1984 in dogs and the description of a new genus and species Neospora caninum in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and neonatal mortality are a major problem in livestock operations and neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. This review is focused on current status of neosporosis in animals based on papers published in the last five years. Worldwide seroprevalences are tabulated. Strategies for control and prevention are discussed.