Abortion

Neospora caninum is a protozoa which causes abortions, usually around 3-8 months gestation or birth of infected calves. There is a huge economic impact on farms through losses due to abortion, premature culling, reduced milk yield and reduced post weaning weight of calves. Cattle that are infected with Neospora are 3-7 times more likely to abort than those not infected.

How does the herd get infected?

The distinction between these terms is related to time after fertilisation. Fertilisation results in the creation of an embryo, which becomes a fetus after 45 days in cattle. Therefore, loss of pregnancy prior to 45 days is termed 'Embryonic Mortality'. Loss of pregnancy after 45 days is termed 'Abortion'.