Neospora caninum in sheep: a herd case report

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Ovine Pathology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Persistent abortion issues in sheep flocks can significantly impact herd productivity.
• Identifying the etiological agents responsible for ovine abortions is crucial for effective disease management.
• Neospora caninum is a known cause of abortion in cattle, but its role in sheep has been less documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes of a persistent abortion problem in a commercial sheep flock.
• To determine the prevalence and role of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in ovine abortions.
• To document the first instance of Neospora caninum-associated abortion in naturally infected sheep.

Main Methods:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect Neospora caninum DNA in the brain tissue of aborted sheep fetuses.
• Histopathological examination was performed to identify tissue cysts in fetal lesions.
• Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was employed to detect antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in ewe serum.

Main Results:

• Neospora caninum was detected in 4 out of 20 aborted fetuses via PCR, with tissue cysts identified in one case.
• Toxoplasma gondii was identified as the cause of abortion in 3 out of 20 fetuses.
• Serological testing revealed Neospora caninum antibodies in 10.3% of ewes and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 97.4% of ewes.
• Chlamydia psittaci and Pasteurella multocida were also identified as abortifacients in a small number of cases.

Conclusions:

• Neospora caninum is identified as a causative agent of abortion in naturally infected sheep.
• The high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies suggests widespread exposure in the flock.
• This study highlights the importance of considering Neospora caninum in the differential diagnosis of ovine abortions.