Neospora caninum em bovinos da bacia leiteira da região de Pelotas, RS: soroprevalência e associação com fatores de risco

Abstract

The seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and the associated risk factors in dairy properties were verified in Pelotas region. Blood serum of 1046 six months older females from 92 properties were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence Assay (IFA ≥100). Canine seroprevalence from 67 properties was also verified (IFA ≥ 50). An epidemiological questionnaire with neosporosis related issues was also applied to evaluate risk factors and statistical associations between the serological status of the livestock and the possible variables related to environment and handling, were evaluated by logistic regression (Statistx 8.0). The prevalence in bovines was 12,04%, in 47,6% of the analysed properties. Although at least one seropositive dog was found in 26,8% of the properties, none association was found between canine and bovine seroprevalences . The variables that presented statistic relation with the seropositivity to N. caninum in the studied were: access of others domestic animals to the bovine food (OR: 13,34; IC 95%: 1,60-111,57, P=0,0168), and monthly milk production until 5000l (OR: 2,77; IC 95%: 1,07-7,18, P= 0,0362).