Ветеринарная наука и технологии

Serology for Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Ewes in the State of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

Leandra Marla Oshiro, Fernando Alvarenga Reis, Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich, Rodrigo Casquero Cunha and Renato Andreotti

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are protozoans that can cause reproductive problems in sheep. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of anti–N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies among sheep herds in some counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Four hundred sixteen serum samples were collected from ewes in eight counties. The sera samples were evaluated by using an indirect fluorescent antibody test with a 1:50 dilution. The seroprevalences found for T. gondi and N. caninum were 33.7% and 52.2%, respectively. The rate of animals testing positive simultaneously for Neospora and Toxoplasma was of 17.5%. The results of the present study demonstrate that sheep raised in these counties are exposed to T. gondii and N. caninum and that sheep can be co-infected with both parasites.