Occurrence of Neospora Caninum antibodies in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from the south-western region of Iran

To investigate the prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the northwestern region of Iran, blood samples were taken from 181 (141 females and 40 males) buffaloes slaughtered in an abattoir in Ahvaz. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum by an ELISA kit. The overall prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in the buffaloes tested was 37% (43.36% in females and 15% in males). Statistical analysis showed significant differences between male and female buffaloes. In female buffaloes, 7.7% of heifers and 56.8% of cows were seropositive. Statistical analysis showed the differences among female buffaloes were highly significant when their age is considered, and buffalo cows showed higher N. caninum? prevalence when compared with heifers. With regard to the results of this study, high exposure of water buffaloes to N. caninum, and economical importance of buffalo industry to some regions of Iran, the role of N. caninum as a causal agent of abortions in this species should be investigated.