Neospora caninum antibodies and its consequences for reproductive characteristics in wandering sows from Senegal, West Africa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assay Neospora caninum antibodies and assess their consequences in terms of reproductive characteristics in wandering sows from Senegal, West Africa. Sera of 60 sows were assayed for antibodies against N. caninum. The associations between serostatus and reproductive characteristics were assessed over a period of 3 years (2006-2008). The 58.3% of sera were positive to N. caninum antibodies. Some reproductive disorders as age of sow at first birth, annual mnnber of deliveries and stillbirths were significantly associated with serostatus of N. caninum (p<0.05). Results of this preliminary study indicate a higher prevalence of N. caninum in wandering sows from Senegal and there appeared to be an association between reproductive disorders and seropositivity. Thus, neosporosis may explain the lower reproductive performance in species from Africa. This has to be taken in account in epidemiology and impact of this new disease in African sows. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.