Epidemiology of Neospora caninum Infection in Oklahoma Beef and Dairy Cattle

Authors

  • Terry W. Lehenbauer Department of Infectious Diseases & Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2006
  • Sandra J. Rodgers Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2006
  • R. Gayman Helman Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2006
  • Jeremiah T. Saliki Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2006

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19985747

Keywords:

Neospora caninum, abortion, epidemiological, N. caninum antibodies

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that is closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and is considered to be an important cause of abortion in cattle, especially dairy cattle. Infection with this parasite may also cause decreased milk production and increased risk of culling for dairy cattle. The complete life cycle of this organism is not known. Two studies were conducted to provide epidemiological information about N. caninum infection in Oklahoma cattle. The presence of specific N. caninum antibodies in sampled cattle sera was determined by using an ELISA test kit. Reported relative operating characteristics for this test were 98.6% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity using a 0.5 sample to positive (SIP) ratio as the assay cutoff to distinguish positive from negative samples.

Cover image of the 31st Conference Proceedings: A photo of Dr. Eric I. and Mrs. Mary Williams smiling in golden light. Yellow background.

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Published

1998-09-24

Issue

1998

Section

Research Summaries - Beef and General I & II