Changes

==Introduction==

 

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.

==Description==

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 the dog.

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

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.

==Laboratory Tests==

==Laboratory Tests==

An indirect fluorescent antibody test can be used to detect antibodies from samples and an ELISA is available which will also detect antibodies.

An indirect fluorescent antibody test can be used to detect antibodies from samples and an [[ELISA testing|ELISA]] is available which will also detect antibodies.

A PCR method to identify antigen is currently under development

A PCR method to identify antigen is currently under development

==Pathology==

==Pathology==

Non-suppurative encephalitis is most commonly seen in aborted foetuses. Additionally non suppurative [[Myocarditis|myocarditis]], myositis and widespread non suppurative infiltrates in other organs are often found. Tissue cysts will be present and can be identified.

Non-suppurative encephalitis is most commonly seen in aborted foetuses. Additionally non suppurative [[Myocarditis|myocarditis]], myositis and widespread non suppurative infiltrates in other organs are often found. Tissue cysts will be present and can be identified.

Hepatitis may also be found in epidemic abortions.

Hepatitis may also be found in epidemic abortions.

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

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.  

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.

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.

[[Vaccines|Vaccination]] is possible but only in the USA.

[[Vaccines|Vaccination]] is possible but only in the USA.

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:Reproductive Diseases - Cattle]][[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Sheep]][[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Goat]]

[[Category:Neurological Diseases - Cattle]][[Category:Neurological Diseases - Sheep]][[Category:Neurological Diseases - Goat]]

[[Category:Tissue_Cyst_Forming_Coccidia]]

[[Category:Tissue_Cyst_Forming_Coccidia]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Caz]]

[[Category:Brian Aldridge reviewing]]