Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in periparturient cattle on Guernsey

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a cause of bovine abortion and economic loss to beef and dairy farmers. This can be profound in small island farming communities such as Guernsey. The shedding of oocysts by dogs can have a large impact on herds with low numbers of cattle. To better understand the potential economic impact on dairy farmers as a consequence of N.caninum infection in cattle, the Veterinary Officer of Guernsey undertook a serological survey for N.caninum. 252 samples were collected from cattle in 13 herds; 237 samples were negative (<30 percentage inhibition (PI%) = negative) and 14 were positive (≥30 PI% = positive), one sample was insufficient for testing. 6% of the cattle tested had positive Neospora titres. 7 of the 13 herds sampled had at least one individual with a positive result. The absence of importations of cattle onto the island, and the presence of sarcocysts in bovine carcasses, suggests that environmental contamination with Neospora oocysts is likely to be the most significant source of bovine infection. Reduction of canine faecal contamination where cattle have access would have the benefit of reducing economic loss through abortion, meat and offal condemnation, while also reducing the risk of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and tapeworm ova.