A possible role for Neospora caninum in ovine abortion in New Zealand

Unexplained abortions were investigated in seven flocks of maiden ewes (less than 1 year of age) in New Zealand. In two of these flocks more aborted ewes were seropositive (P < 0.001) to a Neospora caninum indirect fluorescent antibody test compared with non-aborting ewes. In one flock four out of five aborting foetuses were seropositive for N. caninum. It is suggested that N. caninum may be a cause of sheep abortion in New Zealand.