NEOSPORA CANINUM: Diagnosis, epidemiology and prevention of neospora caninum-associated bovine abortions

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0498

Key words (English)

Neospora caninum; cattle; bovine abortion; diagnosis; bradyzoites; tachyzoites;
Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Safety; Scientific Research; Social Aspects

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK2-CT-2001-01050

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.2 Control of infectious diseases

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: Institute for Epidemiological Diagnostics (D)

Abstract (English)

Infection with Neospora caninum, a protozoan parasite discovered only a few years ago, belongs now to the most frequently diagnosed causes of abortion in dairy cattle world-wide. In addition to abortions, N. caninum infections in dairy cows may also be associated with premature culling and a loss in milk production.

The objectives of the project are:
(1) to standardise and improve diagnostic methods;
(2) to conduct epidemiological studies to assess risk factors for N. caninum associated abortions and;
(3) to study the economic impact of N. caninum infections in various EU countries and to develop measures of disease control, including vaccination.

These goals will be achieved by a close interdisciplinary co-operation of scientists (parasitologists, biologists, veterinarians) involved in the development and evaluation of diagnostic techniques, with epidemiologists and bio-mathematicians.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0498