Investigation of neosporosis in cattle in the Artvin region by ELISA method.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection and to evaluate possible risk factors in cattle from Artvin province, Northeastern Turkey. A total of 180 blood samples were collected from 47 herds across nine districts between December 2023 and June 2024. Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kit. Overall, 46 (25.55%) cattle were seropositive for N. caninum, and seropositive animals were found in 25 out of 47 herds (53.2%), indicating widespread herd-level infection. Although no significant associations were found between seropositivity and age, sex, or breed (p>0.05), a statistically significant association (p≤0.05) was observed between N. caninum seropositivity and farms with a recorded history of abortion. The high proportion of farms keeping dogs (70.21%) and the infection pattern suggest that both vertical transmission and environmental contamination play important roles in maintaining infection. This study provides the first available serological data on N. caninum infection in cattle from Artvin province. Continuous monitoring and preventive strategies are recommended to minimize the reproductive losses and economic impact associated with bovine neosporosis in the region.