Authors: Mimoun Lea, Steinman Amir, Kliachko Ynon, Tirosh-Levy Sharon, Schvartz Gili, Blinder Elena, Baneth Gad, Mazuz Monica Leszkowicz
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Neospora Exposure in Equine Populations Neospora spp. parasites pose a significant threat to equine health through associations with neurological disease and reproductive failure, yet their epidemiology in horses remains poorly characterised. Israeli researchers tested sera from two distinct populations—clinically normal horses and periparturient mares—using indirect fluorescent antibody testing to establish seroprevalence rates and identify risk factors for exposure. Alarmingly high seropositivity emerged across all groups: 24% in apparently healthy horses, 66.4% in pregnant mares, and 48.6% in postpartum mares, suggesting widespread parasite circulation in endemic regions. Whilst older age and combined stall-and-paddock housing showed associations with seropositivity in healthy horses, and Arabian breed in pregnant mares, these relationships did not persist in multivariable analysis, indicating the need for further investigation into confounding variables and true causal factors. The pronounced elevation in seroprevalence during and immediately after pregnancy warrants urgent attention to farm biosecurity protocols and serological monitoring programmes, as targeted management interventions and surveillance could substantially limit parasite transmission among at-risk populations in endemic areas.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Implement serological testing and active surveillance protocols on your farm, particularly for breeding mares, to identify exposure and reduce parasite transmission
- •Review housing management practices—mixed stall and paddock systems may increase exposure risk; consider management modifications in endemic areas
- •Monitor older horses and Arabian breeds more closely for clinical signs of neurological disease or reproductive problems, as these groups show higher seropositivity
Key Findings
- •Seroprevalence of Neospora in apparently healthy horses was 24%, compared to 66.4% in mares during gestation and 48.6% after parturition
- •Older age and housing in both stalls and paddocks were significantly associated with seropositivity in healthy horses (p = 0.026 and p = 0.033 respectively)
- •Arabian breed was significantly associated with seropositivity in pregnant mares (p = 0.005)
- •High exposure to Neospora parasites exists in the studied Israeli horse populations, particularly among mares