Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 10, 1999
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: Neosporosis is a single-celled parasite (Neospora caninum) which causes disease of livestock and companion animals. It is a major cause of abortion in cattle and causes paralysis in dogs. The parasite is occasionally found in tissues of horses but its prevalence is not known. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the Institute eof Puericulture, Paris, France have found that 23% of 296 horses slaughtered for food in the U.S. had antibodies (and exposure) to Neospora caninum. These results will be of interest to biologist, parasitologists, and veterinarians.
Technical Abstract:
Serum samples from 296 horses slaughtered for food in the United States were tested for antibodies to Neospora caninum by the Neospora- agglutination test (NAT). Antibodies were found in 69 (23.3%) horses with titers of 1:40 (19 horses), 1:80 (19 horses), 1:100 (3 horses), 1:200 (7 horses), 1:400 (4 horses), and 1:800 (17 horses). This is the first serologic survey for N. caninum antibodies in horses.
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