Seroprevalence and factors associated with exposure to Neospora caninum among dairy cattle smallholders in southern Rio Grande do Sul.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that infects several species of animals (domestic and wild) and is one of the most common causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. To better understand the epidemiological chain of neosporosis, update the disease status and propose control measures to improve milk production in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of N. caninum and its distribution in different municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern RS, Brazil, and determine the factors associated with exposure to N. caninum in small dairy cattle producers in this region. Cattle from 51 dairy farms located in nine municipalities in the southern region of RS were included in this study. Small dairy farmers were interviewed to collect information about the characteristics of their herds. The association between potential associated factors and seropositivity in cattle was assessed using a logistic regression model with a generalized estimating equation. Seroprevalence in individual animals and between herds was 33.9% (95% CI = 28.1-39.9) (121/309) and 80.4% (95% CI = 67.5-88.9) (41/51), respectively. The high seroprevalence found indicates that cattle are susceptible to exposure by N. caninum in a widespread manner in the Pelotas microregion. Furthermore, the sanitary management of cattle, the adaptation of tools that can improve the milk extraction technique and the technical monitoring of professionals who work on the properties can be effective alternatives for controlling N. caninum.