First record of Neospora caninum in cattle in southeast Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Objetive: Determine the seropresevalence of N. caninum in multiparous cows with a history of abortions or those with an intergestation interval greater than one year in the municipalities of Cuajinicuilpa and Ometepec, Guerrero. Design/methodology/approach: blood samples were collected from 13 cows and two dogs in the municipalities of Cuajinicuilpa and eight cows and seven dogs in the municipalities of Ometepec. Detection of antibodies against N. caninum was done with an indirect ELISA kit. Results:  A total of 21 cows and nine dogs were sampled in the two municipalities. In Cuajinicuilapa six cows (28.6%) and 2 dogs (32%) were positive, while in Ometepec, two cows (9.5%) and two dogs (32%) were positive for N. caninum. Most of the positive dogs were in contact with positive cows and had free access to different ranches, making them migratory vectors. Limitations/implications: this is the first published record of this parasite in cattle and dogs in Guerrero and allows explaining the cause of abortion or long intervals between deliveries in apparently healthy cows. Conclusions: Overall, 38% of the sampled cows and 64% of the sampled dogs had antibodies against N. caninum, confirming that this parasite is present in two municipalities of the Guerrero state, Mexico.