title: Serology-Based Diagnostics for the Control of Bovine Neosporosis.
abstract: The protozoan Neospora caninum is a primary infectious cause of abortion in cattle that causes significant economic losses worldwide. Because effective vaccines and licensed pharmacological treatments are currently unavailable, control measures rely on biosecurity and management practice. Serological diagnosis plays a crucial role in the identification of infected animals and several tests have been developed. However, owing to the particular dynamics of the host-parasite interaction and to the characteristics of the currently used diagnostic tools, a proportion of infected cattle may not be reliably identified, and can potentially undermine efforts towards the control of bovine neosporosis. Current diagnostic methods for N. caninum infection in cattle and the advances necessary to support effective control strategies are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. Electronic address: stefano.guido@moredun.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guido
authors.affiliation: Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Katzer
authors.affiliation: Westpoint Veterinary Group, Dawes Farm, Bognor Road, Warnham, West Sussex, RH12 3SH, UK.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nanjiani
authors.affiliation: The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
authors.forename: Elspeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Milne
authors.affiliation: Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
authors.forename: Elisabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Innes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D018688:Neospora / Q000502:physiology; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan
keywords: Neospora; cattle; control.; diagnostics; neosporosis