Neosporosis Research

NEOSPOROSIS RESEARCH
WE NEED YOUR HELP!

WHO AM I?

My name is Shirley Turner. I am a veterinary pathologist and postgraduate student at the University of Queensland. My supervisor (Dr Glen Coleman) and I are investigating a parasitic disease of dogs called Neosporosis.

The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of Neosporosis on the reproductive performance of breeding bitches. Our project is being funded by the Queensland Canine Control Council.

WHAT IS NEOSPOROSIS?

Neosporosis is an uncommon disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Neospora caninum. The only published survey suggests that approximately 9% of dogs in Australia have been exposed to infection. Only a small number of these dogs actually develop symptoms of the disease.

The most common symptoms are progressive lameness and paralysis in pups less than 6 months of age, though older dogs may be affected occasionally and symptoms may vary. Most cases of the disease are fatal or require euthanasia.

It is not known if infection with Neospora has an effect on reproduction in the dog. We do know that the parasite also infects cattle and is a very important cause of abortion in cows.

HOW DO DOGS BECOME INFECTED?

The most common way that dogs become infected appears to be from an infected bitch to her pups during pregnancy (transplacental infection). The bitch rarely if ever shows any symptoms of disease. Not all pups will become infected and only some will develop signs of disease.

It is thought that dogs may also become infected by eating raw meat containing the parasite or ingesting the parasite after it is shed by other infected animals. Natural infections have been recorded in cattle, sheep and goats but not in cats and humans. Many animals have been infected experimentally.


HOW IS NEOSPOROSIS DIAGNOSED?

A blood test (the indirect fluorescent antibody test or IFAT) can be used to detect antibodies to Neospora caninum. A result (known as a titre) of 1:50 on the IFAT is positive evidence of exposure to Neospora caninum but not necessarily of disease. High titres, 1:800 or more, indicate current infection and are usually seen in cases showing symptoms of disease.

Neosporosis may be suspected when pups from the same litter show progressive paralysis. Blood tests as well as examination of tissues obtained by biopsy or at post–mortem are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

CAN NEOSPOROSIS BE TREATED?

Antiprotozoal drugs are used to treat dogs with symptoms of Neosporosis but the success of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and how early treatment is started. Dogs that survive may be left with an odd gait, muscle wastage or a roached back.

OUR RESEARCH SO FAR

We have conducted a survey of the general dog population in Brisbane and our results have indicated that approximately 4% have antibodies to Neospora caninum. Early results of testing of purebred dogs suggests a similar prevalence in this group.

WHAT NEXT?

We would like to collect blood samples from as many breeding bitches as possible and use the IFAT to determine if any have been exposed to the parasite. We would also need some information on each bitch’s breeding history. Comparison of the breeding success of exposed and non-exposed bitches would help us determine if the parasite affects reproduction in the dog.

Some of the bitches that have antibodies to the parasite would be followed through subsequent pregnancy and whelping to see if infection with Neospora caninum causes abortions, stillborn pups or deaths of newborn pups. Further blood tests and samples of afterbirth, colostrum (first milk) and faeces at the time of whelping would need to be collected.


PLEASE NOTE: All test results and information collected will be strictly confidential and used only for the purposes of this study. All testing will be conducted free of charge.

BENEFITS TO YOU, THE BREEDER

Most breeders have experienced the frustration of unexpectedly small litters, still born pups and abortions. Often the cause is not found. This research aims to increase our knowledge of Neospora caninum and find out if it does cause reproductive loss in bitches. We will then be able to make recommendations for better management of breeding bitches to minimize the effects of this parasite in breeding establishments.

PLEASE CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN THIS STUDY

If you are interested in being part of this project or would like more information please e-mail me at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or phone me on:
0438 196 030

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Shirley Turner.