Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in sheep from western Iran

Abstract

Aim: The aim of present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in aborted sheep population from Hamedan province of Iran. Materials and Methods: 358 serum samples of aborted ewes were evaluated for IgG-antibodies to N. caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: 8 samples (2.2%) were found seropositive for this infection (2.05 < Confidence interval 0.95 < 2.35). Further, no statistical difference found between infection rates in different ewes age groups and fetal age groups. Conclusion: Although the rate of infection is low but the result indicates that N. caninum infection may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in Sheep husbandry in this region.