Seroprevalence of Neospora spp. among asymptomatic horses, aborted mares and horses demonstrating neurological signs in Israel.

This research investigates the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies in different groups of horses in Israel. The study found a higher incidence of these antibodies in horses with neurological signs and mares that had abortions, compared with asymptomatic horses.

Methodology

• The researchers collected blood samples from 800 asymptomatic horses to test for the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum, a parasitic disease that affects a variety of animals and can lead to abortion in mares and neurological disorders in horses. The detection of these antibodies was done using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT).
• In addition, they also tested sera from 52 mares that had aborted, and 40 horses displaying neurological signs. These additional tests were conducted with the intention of examining the possible link between Neospora infection and these specific conditions in horses.

Findings

• A total of 95 (11.9%) of the 800 blood samples tested from asymptomatic horses had antibodies for Neospora caninum, indicating they were infected with the parasite.
• A higher proportion of horses that had exhibited neurological signs (21.2%) and mares that had aborted (37.5%) tested positive for the antibodies. This suggests a significant correlation between these conditions in horses and infection with the Neospora parasite.
• There was also found to be a significant linear association between the age of the horse and the presence of Neospora antibodies, although the specifics of this correlation were not detailed in the abstract.

Significance

• This is the first serologic survey (a type of blood test used to identify antibodies in the bloodstream) for Neospora spp. antibodies performed on horses from the Middle East, expanding our understanding of the geographical range of this parasitic infection.
• The data also provides evidence of a significant difference in Neospora seropositivity between asymptomatic horses and horses exhibiting neurological signs, bringing to light a potential link between Neospora infection and neurological disorders in horses.
• The findings of this study could have implications for veterinary health and disease control measures, especially in regions where horses are a key part of the economy or cultural practices.