Prevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract Neosporosis is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes reproductive problems, making it a limitation for optimal efficiency in livestock. The aim of the present study was to conduct a seroepidemiological survey for bubaline neosporosis and to analyse associated factors associated with N. caninum infection in female water buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The prevalence of N. caninum infection in the bubaline herds examined was 35.4% (122/345; 95% CI: 30.4%-40.7%), at least 1 Neospora-positive animal was found in each farm. Associated factors for N. caninum infection identified in this study were exclusive pasture feeding (OR: 5.91, p <0.001) and purchase of animals of free fair and from reputable sellers (OR: 1.85; p =0.045). In this survey, we document the occurrence of neosporosis in female water buffaloes. Associated factors should be controlled in order to reduce the risk of N. caninum infection in these herds.

摘要 新孢子虫病（Neosporosis）是引发繁殖障碍的主要寄生虫病之一，已成为制约家畜养殖最优生产效率的关键瓶颈。本研究旨在针对巴西东北部伯南布哥州的雌性水牛，开展水牛新孢子虫病血清流行病学调查，并分析其感染犬新孢子虫（N. caninum）的相关影响因素。本次受检水牛群的犬新孢子虫感染率为35.4%（122/345；95%置信区间（Confidence Interval，CI）：30.4%~40.7%），且所有受访养殖场均至少检出1头新孢子虫抗体阳性个体。本研究鉴定出的犬新孢子虫感染相关危险因素包括：仅依赖牧场放牧饲喂（比值比（Odds Ratio，OR）：5.91，p<0.001），以及从自由集市和信誉良好的卖家处购入水牛（比值比（Odds Ratio，OR）：1.85；p=0.045）。本次调查明确了雌性水牛新孢子虫病的流行现状，应针对上述相关影响因素采取防控措施，以降低该牛群的犬新孢子虫感染风险。