Neospora caninum in European bison in Poland – the current research status

Authors

  • Władysław Cabaj The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Justyna Bień The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Katarzyna Goździk The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Bożena Moskwa The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Keywords:

European bison, Neospora caninum, ELISA, Western blot, Poland

Abstract

The prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum was examined in European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.) living in Białowieża, Poland. At first, sera of 62 European bison selected and shot from 2007 to March 2009, different ages and sexes, were tested for N. caninum antibodies using ELISA test. Positive antibody responses were found in 3 bison (prevalence 4.84 %). Additionally, all positive sera were tested by Western blot to verify the ELISA results. The Western blot results confirmed the presence of antibodies to Neospora tachyzoites antigens in all tested ELISA positive sera. Thereafter, 125 sera collected from
immobilized bison in 2007–2009 were tested as well. High antibody responses were found in 10 bison (prevalence 8%). Our results strongly indicate the presence of N. caninum in the European bison in Poland. Further researches are needed to evaluate the existence of a sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.

Published

2009-09-01

How to Cite

Cabaj, W., Bień, J., Goździk, K., & Moskwa, B. (2009). Neospora caninum in European bison in Poland – the current research status. European Bison Conservation Newsletter, 2, 102–111. Retrieved from http://ojs.wisent.org/index.php/czasopismo/article/view/177

Issue

Section

Peer-reviewed articles

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