The incidence of bovine neosporosis and its role in abortions in the region of the Carpathian Basin

SUMMARY Background: The authors summarized the results of studies from the region of the Carpathian Basin, which deal with a protozoan parasite, Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) being responsible for a signifi cant percentage of infectious abortions in cattle. Affected cows typically abort during the mid-term of gestation. The most typical histopathological fi ndings in aborted foetuses are multifocal encephalitis and infl ammatory lesions in other organs. Nevertheless, in most cases, the new-born calf will be a clinically healthy carrier, which con tributes to the maintenance of neosporosis in the herd. Objectives: The aim was to summarize available serological data of bovine neosporosis and its role in abortions in the region of the Carpathian Basin. Materials and Methods: The authors reviewed reports from the region of the Carpathian Basin that describe the prevalence of N. caninum and its role in bovine abortions, and compared the seroprevalences of different countries. Results and Discussion: Neospora caninum is widespread in the world, and it occurs in the region of the Carpathian Basin, as well. Although its seropreva lence shows variation in the different countries, it is usually high, and it is higher in aborted cattle, than in cattle where abortion did not occur. Nevertheless, the rate of seropositivity is higher among older animals and in off-springs of sero positive cattle, supporting the fact that both vertical and horizontal routes of infections are signifi cant. In the latter case, dogs (defi nitive hosts) kept together with cattle may play a crucial role. Seropositivity in hunting dogs and cows that live together with shepherd dogs was higher. On the other hand, breed, herd size and sometimes even age do not seem to have any signifi cant infl uence on seroprevalence, however, this may differ among various husbandry systems. Currently, a specifi c treatment for neosporosis does not exist, neither are com mercial vaccines available in this region, therefore, improvement of hygienic conditions is the only effective way to prevent signifi cant economic losses caused by N. caninum