Why be interested in Neospora caninum on farm?

Infection of cattle with Neospora can cause abortion, making this pathogen the most commonly diagnosed pathogen in cattle abortion investigations in the UK. However, the parasite can also cause latent infections in otherwise clinically unaffected cattle following both horizontal and vertical transmission. Monitoring and surveillance is justified in beef and dairy herds, and an understanding of the pathogenesis is required to work with owners to manage and control the effects within a herd. This article explores all these aspects and uses a case study to discuss a presentation with a significant herd impact, and associated approach to diagnosis and control plan.