SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF Neospora caninum IN CATTLE IN WASIT PROVINCE

Abstract

The main aim of present study was to identify the seroprevalence of N. caninuminfections in cattle of some districts in Wasit province using a serological test (indirectELISA), and confirmation of seropositive results by a molecular PCR. In this study, theblood samples and epidemiological required data were collected from 327 animals duringa period of September 2015 to May 2016. The overall results were revealed that 27.22%and 12.36% of study’s cattle were positives with indirect ELISA and PCR, respectively.Regarding to the epidemiological risk factors submitted for this study; the prevalenceof seropositive rates was reported a statistically variable results. Among district factor,the seropositive results were 36.28%, 27.88%, 17.31% and 26.53% in Al-Azizyah, AlNumaniyah, Al-Kut and Al-Hay districts, respectively. According to age factor, it was18.58% and 31.78% in  3 years and  3years groups, respectively; while in sex factor,males were reported 24.53% and females 27.74%. Relating to reproductive statementfactor, the positive infections were 30.99% and 21.97% in aborted and non-aborted cows,respectively. Whereas in productivity nature factor; it was 38.24% and 19.37% in dairyand beef cattle, respectively.