| dc.description.abstract | 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. | en_US |
