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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #32589
Title: BOVINE ABORTIONS CAUSED BY NEOSPORA IN TRASMANIAN CATTLE

Author
item OBENDORF DAVID L - TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
item MUNDAY BARRY L - TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
item VELHURIS G - TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
item MURRAY NOEL - TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
item Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Australian Veterinary Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/1994
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Neospora caninum is a recently discovered protozoan parasite (single celled) of livestock and companion animals. It causes abortion and neonatal mortality in cattle, sheep, goats and horses, and paralysis and death in dogs. Its life cyle and source of infection are unknown. It is estimated that 25% of all abortions in dairy cattle in California are due to neosporosis. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the Tasmania Department of Agriculture, Australia report for the first time repeat abortion in cattle from Tasmania due to neosporosis. This report will be helpful to veterinarians and diagnosticians for the diagnosis and management of neosporosis in cattle.

Technical Abstract: In this paper the occurrence of several abortions caused by Neospora occurring over three consecutive years in a Tasmanian dairy herd and the diagnosis of this abortifacient infection in a further eight cattle herds are documented. The diagnosis was based on finding lesions of non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, hepatitis, and myocarditis. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-Neospora specific antibodies.