title: Seroepidemiological survey ofNeospora caninumand its risk factors in farm dogs in Nakuru district, Kenya.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence ofNeospora caninum(NC) and its risk factors in farm dogs in Kenya.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a longitudinal study on dairy cattle abortion in 2010 in Kenya, serum samples were collected from 84 dogs in 53 randomly selected dairy cattle farms to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of seropositivity for NC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  15 (17.9%) of the dogs were seropositive to NC antibodies, and at least one seropositive dog was found in 12 (22.6%) of the 53 farms. The final multivariable logistic regression model identified free-roaming as the only factor significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio=4.48; p=0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study indicate that canine neosporosis does exist in Kenya and that farmers should restrict their dogs from roaming to reduce the risk of their dogs becoming a reservoir for NC. More studies need to be carried out to determine the reproductive effects of NC on dairy cattle in Kenya.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya.
authors.forename: Tequiero Abuom
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Okumu
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya.
authors.forename: John Njenga
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Munene
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya; AQ1 African Union Inter Africa Bureau of Animal Resources, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wabacha
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tsuma
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
authors.forename: John Van
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Leeuwen
keywords: Kenyan dairy farms; Neosporosis; cross-sectional study; dogs