Abortion occurs typically in mid-gestation, but may occur anytime after the second month. This makes positive diagnosis more difficult. Serological tests for Neospora determine only whether the animal has antibodies. But these antibodies develop rapidly and to a high level, so if an aborting dam is negative it is very doubtful that Neospora was the cause. A fetus with typical lesions, positive immunohistochemical tests and no evidence of BVD, IBR, or lepto could be considered a Neospora abortion.
Fetal brain is the most important tissue for diagnosis.
Prevent dogs from ingesting aborted fetuses or placentas. It is also good to try to prevent birds from defecating in the feed. Serological testing and culling of positive animals may be feasible in some herds as a means for eradication of Neospora.