Neospora caninum: Seroprevalence in beef cattle in the mountainous region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

The distribution of Neospora caninum, an important agent of reproductive disorders in cattle, has been frequently reported in dairy cattle in Brazil and worldwide. Records of infection are less frequent in beef cattle. To determine the seroprevalence of bovine neosporosis, 507 beef cattle blood samples were collected from January 2013 to September 2015, from 16 municipalities of the Associaao dos Municipios da Regiao Serrana (AMURES). Samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies (>= 1:100) against N. caninum by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Information about sex, age, and origin of the bovines were obtained from the Brazilian Bovine and Bubaline Identification and Certification System (SISBOV), and were tabulated for statistical analysis (Chi- square and Fisher Exact test, P=0.05). Of the 507 serum samples analyzed, 70 (13.81%) contained antibodies against N. caninum with titers of 1:100 (16), 1:200 (22), 1:400 (17), 1:800 (nine), 1:1600 (four) and 1:3200 (two). Positive specimens were collected from 13 of the 16 municipalities and across all age groups. Of the positive samples, there were no statistical differences between males and females (32.86% vs. 67.14%, P=0.1072), age groups (P=0.4116), or municipalities (P=0.6838). While not statistically significant (P> 0.05), higher seroprevalence was observed among older females. Although seroprevalence was relatively low, results indicate that infection by N. caninum in beef cattle is widespread in the studied region.