Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats from north-eastern Italy and associated risk factors

• Neospora caninum infection in small ruminants in Italy was investigated.
• Two subsequential serological tests (ELISA and Western Blot) were performed.
• Prevalence was 5.7% in goats and 19.3% in sheep at individual level.
• Farm prevalence was 32.1% for goats, 89.4% for sheep.
• Small farms were at higher risk than intensive farms or transhumant flocks.

Neospora caninum is worldwide recognized as one of the major abortive pathogens in cattle. Although cases of abortion are also registered in sheep and goats, information and epidemiological data on neosporosis in small ruminants are usually scant. In Italy, but few exceptions, data are limited to spare reports of abortions. This survey was aimed to i) update information on N. caninum infection in sheep and goats from north-eastern Italy; ii) analyze associated individual and flock risk factors and iii) compare N. caninum positivity with previously obtained data on Toxoplasma gondii. Four hundred and fourteen goats and 428 sheep from 39 flocks in Lombardy region were enrolled. Blood samples were collected and analyzed by an in-house ELISA followed by a confirmatory Western Blot. The test resulted positive for 5.7% of goats and 19.3% of sheep. As to farms, 32.1% and 89.4% of caprine and ovine flocks showed positive, respectively. Managerial variables, including rearing system and farm size, affected N. caninum infection. Small, family-run farms were at higher risk rather than intensive caprine farms or transhumant sheep flocks. Outcomes from the survey mainly indicate that these farms should implement their care about proper sanitary measures and monitor the spread of the infection among small ruminants.