Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular intestinal coccidia distributed worldwide, and are causative agents of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies and the factors associated with infections in beef cattle intended for human consumption in an Amazonian area of North Brazil. We collected blood samples of 387 cattle from 50 herds located in different municipalities of the State of Rondônia. An epidemiological questionnaire was distributed to farmers, with regard to nutritional, sanitary and reproductive herd management. The samples were identified, refrigerated and sent for serological analyses via IFAT (Immunofluorescent Antibody Test). Among the 387 analyzed animals, 91 (23.5%; CI 95%: 18.8–27.2) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with titers varying from 1:64 (75.8%) to 1:512 (2.2%). For anti-N. caninum antibodies, only four animals (1%; CI 95%: 0–2.7) were positive, with titers ranging from 1:400 (50%) to 1:1600 (25%). We observed a significant rate of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the variables “pure breed” and “contact with free-range chickens” (p < 0.2). There were no risk factors associated with the presence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in beef cattle intended for human consumption in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, and a low prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. Longitudinal studies can better elucidate the cause of these prevalence levels and how they could be better prevented and controlled.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in equids that carry out traction work in Northeastern Brazil, and to establish the potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for these agents. Blood samples were collected from 322 traction equids (horses, donkeys and mules) in urban areas of 16 municipalities in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The samples were sent for serological diagnosis using the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Epidemiological questionnaires were given to the owners to assess the possible risk factors associated with infections. It was observed that 13.7% (44/322, CI: 10.9–16.5) of the equids tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies and 5% (16/322, CI: 2.6–7.4) tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies. Conducting traction work for over four years was considered a risk factor associated with T. gondii infection (odds ratio: 6.050; CI: 4.38–8.54, p = 0.025). There were no risk factors associated with N. caninum infection. It was concluded that traction equids have a significant prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in urban areas in the State of Paraíba, with an identified risk factor for seropositivity for anti-T. gondii as conducting traction work for more than four years.

The main pathological, epidemiological, and clinical findings of haemonchosis in goats and sheep in a semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil are described. Necropsy records conducted between January 2012 and December 2021 at the Animal Pathology Laboratory (APL) of the UFCG, were reviewed. In 2022, a prospective study monitored the necropsies performed on these species. In total, necropsies were conducted on 410 goats and 319 sheep, haemonchosis was observed in 50 (12%) goats and 49 (15%) sheep. For goats, females (45/50, 90%; p ≤ 0.05), the age range of 13–35 months (25/50, 50%; p ≤ 0.05), and crossbred animals (38/50, 76%; p ≤ 0.05) were most affected. Both goat and sheep, respectively, raised in a semi-intensive system were more infected (41/50, 82%; 36/49, 76.5%; p ≤ 0.05). The animals came from the States of Paraíba, Pernambuco, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte. The proportion of goats (32/50, 64%) and sheep (30/49, 61.2%) with a normal body condition score was significantly different (p ≤ 0.05). The main pathological alterations (p ≤ 0.05) were the mucosal and carcass paleness, and the presence of H. contortus specimens in the abomasum. Haemonchosis remains a significant parasitic disease affecting small ruminants in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, leading to mortality and decreased production rates, posing substantial economic challenges that adversely impact goat and sheep farming.