Flock-level risk factors associated with Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy goats in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

A cross-sectional study based on a planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Neospora caninum antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, using cut-off point at dilution of 1:50. From the 110 flocks 18 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 16.4% (95% CI: 10.0-24.6%), and 26 (2.7%; 95% CI: 1.7-3.9%) animals tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Graze at communal pasture (OR = 10.34; P = 0.034), not using disposable syringes (OR = 3.78; P = 0.023) and flock size >25 goats (OR = 6.51; P = 0.007) were identified as risk factors. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of this infection.