Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Cattle of Sistan Areas, Southeastern Iran in 2016

Background: Neospora caninum is protozoan parasitic disease now described as the major cause of abortion and other reproductive issues. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle breeds of the Sistan region, southeastern border area of Iran. Methods: Using an ELISA kit (ID. VET, France), the antibodies against N. caninum in cattle of Sistan was evaluated in 2016. Overall, 184 blood samples from apparently healthy cattle in the eastern border area of Iran Sistan were collected for assessment of antibodies against N. caninum. The values greater than or equal to 50%, were considered positive based on manufacture's manual for ELASA kit. Results: 3.8% of 184 cattle have antibody against N. caninum. Chi-square test showed that the seroprevalence among Holsteins, Sistan and cross-breed was 9.4%, 0%, and 4.3%, respectively. No significant difference was observed among the breeds (P>0.05). The seroprevalence was decreased as the age of cow increased and there is no significant difference between the prevalence of N. caninum and different city area. No statistically significant relationship between the seroprevalence of N. caninum and history of abortion, lactation number and infertility was observed. Although there was no significant difference between the cattle breeds of the Sistan region all the Sistani cows were negative for the antibody against N. caninum. Conclusion: Infection rate with N. caninum in bovine population in Sistan region is very low. Environmental and management factors are the major causes, which influence the regional prevalence.