The present study aimed to detect Neospora caninum infection in abortion occurred in aborted bovine fetuses in Egypt as some of foreign breeds cattle aborted without an obvious definite cause. For this purpose 64 pregnant cows in Kalubyia and Monofyia Governorate were inspected at different time of gestation. The study revealed that among 64 pregnant cows of 2.6 -6 years old, 9 (14 06%) cows were aborted at 6-7th month pregnancy. Repeated abortion occurred in 1 (11.11 %) cow Necropsies and histological examination were performed for all aborted fetuses. Infected tissues specially brain and placenta was used to infect laboratory reared puppies and kitten. Microscopical examination of dog feces fed on infected materials indicated that 5 (55.56%) aborted fetuses; 3 (60 %) and 2 (50%) in Menoufia and Kalubyia Governorates respectively were positive for Neospora caninum oocysts. The overall infection was 7.81%.The pre-patent period, patent period and the morphology of the detected Neospora caninum oocyst in puppies’ feces were described. Kitten feces were microsopically negative for any coccidian oocyst. From faecal, histological examinations, signs of birth of weak calves and repeated abortion, it was concluded that Neospora caninum was incriminated in some bovine abortions in Egyptian cattle. |
