Study the prevalence of Neospora caninum in serum and milk of sheep in Al- Fallujah city

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum of sheep in Al- Fallujah city. One hundred and twenty seven (78 females and 49 males) blood serum and 52 milk samples of different ages and sexes of sheep were examined by using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) during the period from 10/ 12/2012-15/2/ 2013 in Al- Fallujah city. The total infection rate was 3.91%, which divided into 4.72% in sera and 1.92% in milk. Sheep above 4 years old was showed a high infection rate 11.11%, and no infection rate was recorded in the age group under 3 years old. The results of the study revealed that the infection rates were higher in females 6.41% than males 2.04% and in pregnant 11.53% than lactating 3.84%. This study was the first report about the seroprevalence of N. caninum of sheep by using ELISA in Iraq.