Neospora

Neospora is an important protozoan pathogen in cattle and dogs. It was not discovered until 1984 in Norway, where it was found in dogs. It is highly transmissible and some herds can have up to a 90% prevalence. Neospora causes abortions in cattle and up to 33% of pregnancies can result in aborted fetuses on one dairy farm. Diagnosis is hard because the parasite is not found in adults. The best way to detect the parasite is by its pathological effects on fetuses.