First serological survey of Neospora caninum infections in dairy cattle and dogs in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that infects cattle, dogs, and other animals, posing a significant concern in livestock production, particularly dairy cattle. Here, we report the first detection and prevalence of N. caninum in Kosovo in dairy cattle and dogs. Blood samples were collected from 300 individual dairy cows located on 30 farms across all seven regions of Kosovo, as well as from 53 dogs, including 29 farm dogs and 24 urban dogs. Sera were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to N. caninum. Antibodies were detected in cows from 60% of the surveyed farms, with 52 of 300 cows testing positive, resulting in a seroprevalence rate of 17.33% (95% CI: 13.0–21.6%). Among dogs, 4 of 53 were seropositive, yielding a seroprevalence rate of 7.55% (95% CI: 0.4–14.6%). All seropositive dogs resided on farms in close contact with dairy cattle (4 of 29 tested positive, resulting in a 13.79% seroprevalence rate), whereas none of the urban dogs tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. This study is the first to detect N. caninum antibodies in dairy cattle and farm dogs in Kosovo. The observed seroprevalence rates underscore the necessity of enhanced prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of this parasite on livestock and companion animals.