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==Description==

==Introduc.tion==

Caused by the protozoan parasite ''[[Neospora|Neospora caninum]]'' and is the commonest cause of abortion in dairy cattle. ''Neospora caninum'' is similar to ''Toxoplasma gondii'' and although the complete life cycle of the protozoa is unknown, the dog has been found to be the definitive host.

Caused by the protozoan parasite ''[[Neospora|Neospora caninum]]'' and is the commonest cause of abortion in dairy cattle. ''Neospora caninum'' is similar to ''[[Toxoplasma]] gondii'' and although the complete life cycle of the protozoa is unknown, the dog has been found to be the definitive host.

Stillborn calves can be born from infected dams and congenitally infected calves may be  born with encephalomyelitis. Abortion usually occurs between 5-7 months of gestation but can occur as early as 3 months.

Stillborn calves can be born from infected dams and congenitally infected calves may be  born with encephalomyelitis. Abortion usually occurs between 5-7 months of gestation but can occur as early as 3 months.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Neospora has been documented to infect cattle both beef and dairy, sheep, goats and dogs.

Neospora has been documented to infect cattle, both beef and dairy, sheep, goats and dogs.

There is no age predilection.

There is no age predilection.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The histological appearance of lesions on an aborted fetus can be enough to confirm a diagnosis.

The histological appearance of lesions on an aborted fetus can be enough to confirm a diagnosis.

Additionally antibodies to the protozoa can be identified via serological methods.

Additionally antibodies to the protozoa can be identified via serological methods.

Signs of placentitis will be evident on inspection of the placenta.

Signs of placentitis will be evident on inspection of the placenta.

==Treatment==

==Control==

To avoid the transmission of Neospora caninum oocysts from dogs to cattle, dogs should not be allowed access to calving cows, placental membranes and aborted or dead calves. Dogs should also be stopped from defecating in cattle feeding areas.

To avoid the transmission of ''Neospora caninum'' oocysts from dogs to cattle, dogs should not be allowed access to calving cows, placental membranes and aborted or dead calves. Dogs should also be stopped from defecating in cattle feeding areas.

Seropositive cattle should be identified and culled and none of their progeny should be bred from and hence seronegative cattle should be selected for breeding.

Seropositive cattle should be identified and culled and none of their progeny should be bred from and hence seronegative cattle should be selected for breeding.

It is a killed protozoal vaccine for healthy, pregnant cows and is given in the first 3 weeks of pregnancy and then every 3-4 weeks during gestation.

It is a killed protozoal vaccine for healthy, pregnant cows and is given in the first 3 weeks of pregnancy and then every 3-4 weeks during gestation.

Revaccination with 2 doses should be undertaken during each subsequent pregnancy.

Revaccination with 2 doses should be undertaken during each subsequent pregnancy.

[[Category:Cattle]]

[[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Sheep]][[Category:Goat]]

[[Category:Tissue_Cyst_Forming_Coccidia]]

[[Category:Tissue_Cyst_Forming_Coccidia]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Caz]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:To Do_-_Review]]