Epidemiology of Neospora Caninum Infection and the Economic impact of Abortions In Livestock: A case Study from Northern Tanzania
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Date
2025-08
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Livestock abortions pose a significant challenge to animal health, food security and rural livelihoods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. This study aimed to: (a) Assess the status of surveillance and sero-epidemiology of abortigenic agents in ruminants across Africa and Asia through a systematic review; (b) Estimate the seroprevalence, risk factors, and reproductive impact of Neospora caninum in northern Tanzania; and (c) Quantify the economic burden of ruminant abortions in this region. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate surveillance and sero-epidemiological data on abortigenic pathogens. Additionally, a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey targeting N. caninum in northern Tanzania was carried out. Questionnaire data for variables on individual-level seropositivity were collected from 360 households and assessed using logistic regression, geo- coordinates were used to extract satellite-derived environmental variables. Association between herd-level seroprevalence and abortion rates was explored using negative binomial regression. Serum samples were tested using an indirect ELISA. Furthermore, a mobile phone- based surveillance platform was deployed to capture real-time abortion reports. Data from these cases, along with control households and national ministry sources, were used to estimate the direct economic losses associated with abortion event The review revealed widespread endemicity of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic abortigenic agents in Africa and Asia, with limited structured surveillance. In Tanzania, the adjusted N. caninum seroprevalence was 21.5% (95% CrI: 17.9–25.4). The Body mass index identified age >18 months (OR = 2.17), restricted grazing (OR = 0.72), high cattle density (OR = 0.69), and surrounding shrub or forest cover (OR = 1.37) as significant risk factors. A strong positive association was found between N. caninum seroprevalence and abortion rates (IRR = 1.03, 95% CrI: 1.00–1.06). Economically, annual losses from abortions were estimated at TZS 300 billion. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved diagnostic capacity, integrated surveillance systems and targeted control strategies for livestock abortions. The study provides vital evidence to inform policy and intervention planning for reproductive diseases control in Tanzanian livestock systems.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG: 2- Zero Hunger
SDG :3- Good Health and Well-Being