Prevalência da infecção por Neospora caninum em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros procedentes da agricultura familiar no estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

This study aimed to carry out a sero-epidemiological investigation associated with the infection by Neospora caninum in dairy cattle herds deriving from family-based farming in the microregion of Vale do Ipojuca, in the Brazilian State of Pernambuco. Blood serum samples were collected from 341 bovines derived from 25 farms in 16 municipalities of the microregion. The samples were processed by the Indirect Immunofluorescent Assay Technique (IFAT). An investigative questionnaire was applied for the analysis of the risk factors, with objective questions about the hygiene-sanitary and reproductive management. Subsequently, the data were analyzed by logistic regression, considering as a dependent variable the serological results. The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was 18.2% (62/341) in cattle herds, with 80% (20/25) of foci. No risk factors associated with the infection have been confirmed in this study. These results show that the infection by N. caninum is present in cattle herds of the region of Vale do Ipojuca, and can cause loss to family farmers.