Failure of dogs to shed oocysts after being fed bovine fetuses naturally infected by Neospora caninum

Vet Parasitol. 2001 May 22;97(2):145-52. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00396-x.

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that causes abortion in cattle. The dog has recently been identified as a definitive host for N. caninum. To verify if bovine fetuses can infect dogs, nine 2-4-month-old dogs were fed bovine fetuses naturally infected by N. caninum. None of the dogs excreted oocysts, seroconverted, had clinical signs or lesions compatible with N. caninum infection. Additional studies will be necessary to determine the natural mode of infection of dogs by N. caninum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle / embryology*
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology*
  • Coccidiosis / transmission
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary*
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology*
  • Dogs
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Life Cycle Stages
  • Male
  • Neospora* / pathogenicity