This post is obliquely related to cats which is why I decided to publish it here. But it is mainly about dogs. Specifically, dogs on walks in the countryside where there are cattle.
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite. It’s a microscopic, single-celled organism that can cause significant problems for animals, particularly cattle and dogs. It can infect a wide range of animals, primarily dogs. Dogs owners like to walk their dogs in the countryside. Dogs often defecate during these walks.
If they are infected with this parasite, the oocysts are deposited on the grass in the poop. If there are cattle nearby, they might ingest these oocysts when grazing on grass and become infected themselves (horizontal transmission). Foxes also transmit the disease. Bulls are unaffected.
If a pregnant cow is infected, she has a seven times greater risk of aborting because of the infection. There is no cure for this disease. No vaccination. The cow can also pass the infection to her offspring (vertical transmission).
What about barn cats infected with Neospora caninum?
Barn cats can be infected with Neospora caninum. Similar to other cats, they can act as intermediate hosts, meaning they can carry the parasite without showing symptoms.
However, the role of barn cats in the transmission of Neospora caninum to cattle is still relatively unclear. While it’s possible they could contribute to the spread by shedding oocysts in their feces, the primary concern remains with dogs, as they are the definitive hosts and shed significantly higher numbers of oocysts.
Key points to remember:
- Barn cats are potential carriers: They can be infected and shed the parasite.
- Limited research: The exact role of barn cats in transmitting Neospora caninum to cattle is not fully understood.
- Focus on dogs: Preventing Neospora caninum in cattle primarily involves controlling dog populations and their access to grazing areas.
To minimize the risk of Neospora caninum on a farm:
- Control dog access: Keep dogs away from grazing areas and water sources.
- Proper sanitation: Manage manure and waste effectively.
- Consider testing: If you have concerns about Neospora caninum in your cattle, consult with a veterinarian for testing options.
Story
A pedigree cattle breeder, Robert Allcock, 62, is pleading with dog owners who use two public footpaths near his farm to pick up dog poop every time which is the default obligation in the city but it seems that dog owners don’t see any harm in leaving dog poop in the grass in the countryside. They see it as benign and being washed into the ground after the first rain. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Allcock, breeds calm Hereford cattle; and horses. The cattle keep his racehorses horses calm. His cattle are award winners.
His champion heifer (a young female cow that has not yet given birth to a calf), called Frenchstone Get Real, a Royal Welsh Show female champion in 2017 lost her calf in her first pregnancy and later tested positive for Neospora Caninum.
This is devastating for him as the infection dramatically devalues his 18-strong pedigree herd, of which six were infected. The resale value of one champion breeding heifer is perhaps around £20,000. Infected they become meat on the hoof and are worth £1,200 per individual.
Lesson?
Dog owners walking their dog in the countryside need to pick up their dog’s poop just as they would in the urban environment.
Zoonotic
Can it infect humans? While some studies have shown the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in humans, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are infected. Antibodies can develop as a response to exposure to similar organisms, without the individual actually being infected.
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