Until recently, the only known site of transmission was between the cow's placenta and her fetus. But in a series of experiments, scientists successfully recovered different growth stages of Neospora from dogs. They recovered mature parasites as well as juvenile forms encased in oocysts, spore-like capsules that dogs can pass in their feces. On the farm, producers may want to store feedstuffs in closed containers or fence off feedlots or choice pasture where dogs may defecate. No antibiotics or vaccines are available for treating infected cows.
Producers typically cull infected animals, a practice that can be costly.
In puppies, severe Neospora infection causes paralysis and death. Mature dogs generally are more tolerant of an infection. Turkey breeders will be able to single out potential sires with a technique that examines how well sperm swim. The test mimics the environment the sperm encounter in the hen's reproductive tract. ARS scientists in collaboration with Oregon State University scientists modified the test for turkeys.