Gh. Adhami - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
A. Dalimi - Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
N. Hoghoooghi-Rad - Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Sh. Fakour - Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran

< p>Neospora caninum, a protozoan parasite, causes abortions in cattle, as well as neurological disorders and reproductive problems in dogs. This study aimed to investigate the serological and the molecular prevalence of N.caninum among foxes and dogs using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For this purpose, ۲۸۸ and ۹۵ both fecal and serum samples of dogs and foxes were collected, respectively, from around industrial and traditional dairy flocks in different parts of Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Iran, from ۲۰۱۳ to ۲۰۱۵. The sera were examined using IFAT, and fecal samples were microscopically assessed for detecting Neospora oocyst and by nested-PCR. The findings revealed that N.caninum seroprevalence were ۴.۸۶% and ۴.۲۱% in dogs and foxes, respectively. In addition, no Neospora oocysts were found microscopically and by PCR. Since this study is the first serological and molecular investigation of N.caninum among both dogs and foxes in Sanandaj,  the findings of indicated that stray dogs is a main source of N.caninum infection in dairy farms in Sanandaj, Iran.

Dog, Fox, Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT), Neospora caninum, Nested- polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanandaj, Iran