SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH Neospora caninum IN GOATS FROM MUNICIPALITIES OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with caprine neosporosis in five municipalities of the central region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, through a multistage and stratified study. A total of 182 animals from 26 production units (PU) were included, with a sampling fraction of six animals per PU. The PU were selected by clusters according to the tables by Cannon and Roe. Neosporosis was diagnosed through the ELISA test. Seroprevalence was determined by VassarStats® and the risk factors by odds ratio (OR). Overall seroprevalence was 3.8 %, by affected municipalities 60 %, and by PU 15.4 %. The municipality of Coacoatzintla was a risk factor for the infection (OR = 5.95; CI95%: 1.27 – 27.94), whereas Coatepec and Chiconquiaco, as well as the bucks, were protective factors (OR = 0; CI95%: 0 - 0). In conclusion, neosporosis in goats had a low seroprevalence but a medium distribution within municipalities and PU. Goats in Coacoatzintla were 5.9 times more likely to become infected with Neospora caninum, whereas goats from Coatepec, Chiconquiaco and the bucks, were protective factors.