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Neosporosis (N. caninum) in Cattle
Infectious DiseaseReproductionParasiteBovineNew
Key Points
  • Neosporosis is a protozoal disease, caused by Neospora caninum, and is a major cause of cattle abortion worldwide
  • Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts whereas cattle are intermediate hosts
  • Infection can be spread to cattle via ingestion of sporulated oocysts from the environment or vertically transmitted into the foetus from an infected dam
  • Abortion typically occurs in mid-gestation (5-7 months) but cows remain clinically well
  • The best diagnostic test is identification of the organism via PCR or immunohistochemistry with samples from the aborted foetus
  • There is no reliable cure so prevention and control of infection is essential
  • Prevention focuses on preventing dog access to aborted materials, feed stores and water troughs and avoiding keeping heifers born to infected dams
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
  2. Leptospirosis
  3. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →