Frecuencia de anticuerpos anti Neospora caninum en perros que conviven con bovinos de leche y carne

Abstract

In Ecuador, epidemiological studies have been carried out that demonstrate the presence of the disease in cattle, its association with abortion, the presence of compatible lesions and genetic material of the parasite in slaughterhouse fetuses, although the prevalence is variable and has been reported. about 23.5%. However, there was no information to know the frequency of tests against Neospora caninum in dogs, considering that this species is the definitive host of the parasite. This study aimed to determine the frequency of anti-Neospora caninum studies in serum samples from 124 dogs living with cattle, taken from 59 farms in the Azuay, Cañar, Manabí and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas provinces. Variables were considered; sample origin, age, dogs sex, size and type of cattle herd, to determine if these factors are associated with the presence of anti-Neospora caninum studies. Data collection was carried out in a registration sheet that includes: location, data of the animal as well as the owner. Presence of anti Neospora caninum studies was developed by competitive ELISA, a frequency of 18.5% of the dogs studied was found. Statistical association will be developed, with the type of cattle herd and with the geographical region, the disease being more frequent in dogs that live in the mountains and coexist with dairy cattle. No statistical association was established with the variables size of the livestock establishment, age and sex of the dogs.