Neosporosis is caused by a protozoan Neospora caninum. N. caninum mainly causes abortions between 5 to 6 months but has also been known to cause stillbirths in cattle. It is a disease found in beef and dairy cattle in many states and is an occasional cause of abortion in beef cattle. In 2000, a survey was conducted, and 59% of beef herds that participated in the Texas Ranch to Rail program were infected with neosporosis.
Dogs are the natural host for Neospora caninum. Therefore, control programs should start with preventing access by dogs to infectious material such as dead calves, aborted fetuses, stillborn calves, and fetal membranes. In addition, cattle feed and water should be protected from contamination by dog feces.
