PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES ANTI- Neospora caninum IN GOATS IN THE STATE OF ALAGOAS, BRAZIL

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and identify the risks concerning to Neospora caninum infection in goats of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The research was perfomed on 24 farms of goat breeding from ten municipalities. A total of 454 sera sample from goats were examined by anti-N. caninum antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). All farm were also investigated by questionnaires about system of production, nutritional, reproductive and sanitary management. The serological prevalence was 5.3% with 62.5% of farms presenting at least one seropositive animal. No significant association was observed to variables of risck factors searched in this study. The existence of infection foci in different mesoregions of the State indicate presence of N. caninum in farms and importance of diagnosis of neosporosis in farms with reproductive problems.