Molecular Detection of Neospora caninum in Aborted Fetuses of Cattle Farms in Arak

Neospora caninum is one of the most important pathogenic protozoan parasites causing bovine abortion around the world. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Neospora caninum in the brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of aborted fetuses in cattle in Arak by means of molecular method. 38 samples of brain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata from aborted fetuses in dairy cattle of Arak were tested for the presence of Neospora with nested-PCR. Survey findings indicated the presence of DNA in 26.3 % of aborted fetal brains. In the cerebellum and medulla oblongata samples no Neospora caninum DNA was detected. There was a significant relationship between neosporosis and maternal age (number of calvings), abortion history and the presence of dogs in the herd. The results showed a significant association between the infection and the number of abortions in the examined cows; As a result it seems that neosporosis could be an important factor in epidemic abortions in Arak city’s dairy farms which requires continuous monitoring and implementation of prevention programs in the dairy industry.