Neosporosis

a reproductive disease to be considered

Abstract

The present work is a review about Neosporosis. Its etiologic agent, Neospora caninum, is a protozoa parasite whose definite host is a dog and it causes reproductive disturbances in cattle. It is the main cause of abortion in countries with cattle management systems similar to the Uruguayan ones. As in Uruguay it has recently been diagnosed, there is no information about its outstanding in the involved species. This review describes the main aspects of this disease, as the structure and biology of the parasite, clinical signals, lesions, diagnostic, treatment, control and prevention. About these points, it is given special emphasis in the description of the characteristics of presentation in dairy cattle, in reference to the age (of the dam and gestational), effects over milk production and risk factors among others. It is also mentioned the characteristics of the Neosporosis in other animal species, reports from other countries and the situation in Uruguay.