High seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the Pyrenees (NE Spain)

Antibodies to Neospora caninum were determined in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the Pyrenees, north-eastern Spain. Sera from 53 red foxes (29 male and 24 female) were tested using a Neospora agglutination test (NAT). Seroprevalence at dilutions of 1/40, 1/80 and 1/160 was 69.8%, 47.2% and 7.5%, respectively. Sex differences were significant only at a dilution of 1:40. The high seroprevalence observed in red fox suggests that this species is highly exposed to N. caninum in this area.