SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO NEOSPORA CANINUM IN FEMALE BOVINES FROM THE WESTERN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.