Neospora caninum Infection in Nigeris: Evidence of Occurrence in Imported and Native Breeds of Cattle

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite causing significant economic losses due to abortions, birth of weak calves, fertility problems, reduced milk production and increased culling. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Neospora caninum in cattle imported to Nigeria for dairy purpose and also in the native breeds through the detection of antibodies (IgG) by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Serum samples were collected from 600 cattle (100 Friesian and 500 native) in Nigeria. The seroprevalence of antibodies to N. caninum was 4% and 2.8% in the imported and native breeds respectively. This study provides the first serological evidence of the presence of N. caninum infection in both imported and native breeds of cattle in Nigeria. While more herd-based sero-epidemiological studies are needed to ascertain the extent of the infection in Nigeria, it is important to screen cattle for neosporosis before importation. The disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all cases of abortion in cattle.

Keywords: Neospora caninum; Nigeria; abortion; Friesian cattle; native cattle.