Neosporose em bovinos de corte criados extensivamente na zona rural da mata paraibana

Abstract

Studies on identification and diagnosis of neosporosis in cattle has been increasing worldwide, being characterized as an important differential diagnosis for reproductive problems, resulting in considerable economic losses. This paper reports a case of congenital and poliradiculoneurite encephalomyelitis Neospora caninum–associated in a 6-months-old male calf, which diagnosis was confirmed by PCR after euthanasia. This is the longest survival time reported of a congenitally infected calf by Neospora caninum and highlight the need of begin Paraiba´s herds screening as soon as possible to identify their sanity status. This way, the second study aimed to determine the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in a beef cattle herd in Paraiba “Zona da Mata” mesorregion. Were tested 68 samples for presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction in Infectious Diseases Laboratory at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. A total of 66.2% (45/68) were negative and 33.8% (23/68) were positive. Antibody titers ranged from 200 up to 3,200. The high presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies associated to history of reproductive problems, show agent's presence in the herd and highlight the urgency for more research in Paraíba state, including other species involved in the epidemiology of infection for better control and prevent to reduce losses.