The Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy cattle herds in Golestan province, Iran

A total of 800 sera collected from six herds of health and aborted cows in Golestan province in Iran (579 without abortion history, 221 with abortion history) were examined for presence of Neospora caninum antibodies by using commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies was 107 from 800 (13.37±2.36%, a=0.05). Comparison of Neospora caninum serological status in age groups (<2 years, 2-4 years, >4 years) showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The prevalence of Neospora caninum was higher in the aborted cows than in non aborted cows. This is the first study on Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy cattle herds in Golestan province in the north east of Iran.