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Donkey Health Alert: What You Need to Know About Neospora Infections

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New Research Highlights the Presence of Anti-Neospora Antibodies in Donkeys in Colombia, Raising Important Questions About Equine Health"

Neosporosis is a disease of significant concern in livestock, particularly in cattle, where its pathogenesis is well-understood. However, in equids, including donkeys, the understanding of neosporosis remains limited. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Neospora, primarily Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi. Infection with N. caninum is often associated with reproductive issues and neonatal disease, while N. hughesi is linked to neurological disorders.

In donkeys, the routes of Neospora infection can occur horizontally through the ingestion of oocysts shed by definitive hosts like dogs and coyotes, or vertically from mother to offspring. Clinical signs in adult horses can mimic those of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), including blindness, paralysis, behavioral changes, and incoordination. Diagnosis involves both serological and parasitological methods, with serological tests like indirect immunofluorescence (RIFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) being common.

Given the limited data on Neospora infections in Colombia, a study was conducted to assess the occurrence of anti-Neospora antibodies in donkeys (Equus asinus) in the state of Sucre. This research provides crucial insights into the prevalence of the parasite in this region and highlights the need for further investigation into its impact on equine health.

Neospora Antibodies in Donkeys: A Colombian Study

Protective aura surrounding a healthy donkey, symbolizing disease prevention.

A study was conducted in the state of Sucre, Colombia, between coordinates 9°14'45" north latitude and 75°08'58" west longitude of the Greenwich meridian, at an altitude of 125 m.a.s.l, to find out prevalence of Neospora.

The study involved collecting samples from 56 donkeys (Equus asinus) in various livestock farms across Sucre. These farms were selected based on potential disease risks, such as the presence of dogs and reported abortions in different species, along with limited sanitary control for donkeys. Among the sampled animals, 48 were males and eight were females, ranging in age from 1.6 to 21 years.

Randomly selected 56 donkeys (Equus asinus).
State of Sucre in Colombia.
Peptide recombinant for Dot-ELISA.
Sera was diluted to 1:200

The serological analysis was performed using a recombinant peptide (NcGRA1), designed based on reverse genetics methodology of antigenic epitopes from a protein of Neospora caninum dense granules. The technique used was Dot-ELISA, where nitrocellulose membranes were sensitized with the antigen and sera were diluted to 1:200. The presence of IgG specific to Neospora caninum was then detected.

What This Means for Donkey Owners

This study marks the first report of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in Equus asinus in the state of Sucre, Colombia, with an occurrence of 19.7% (11/56) in the sampled animals. Given the limited information on Neospora spp. infection in equids, and as this is the first report of the parasite in Equus asinus (donkey), further research is needed to expand the data on occurrence in other states of Colombia, as well as the relationship of the consequences of the presence of this agent in the Equidae family.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-41627002, Alternate LINK

Title: Ocorrência De Anticorpos Anti-Neospora Spp. Em Jumentos (Equus Asinus) No Estado De Sucre - Colômbia

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: R.D. Blanco, J.H. Patarroyo, M.I. Vargas, J.A. Cardona, L.S. Araújo, V.E. Gomez

Published: 2014-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary causative agents of Neosporosis in donkeys, and how do they differ in their effects?

Neosporosis in donkeys is caused by protozoan parasites, primarily Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi. N. caninum is often linked to reproductive issues and neonatal disease. Conversely, N. hughesi is typically associated with neurological disorders in equids. Further research is needed to fully understand the specific impact and prevalence of each species on donkey health in Colombia.

How do donkeys typically contract Neospora infections, and what preventative measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission?

Donkeys can become infected with Neospora through horizontal transmission by ingesting oocysts shed by definitive hosts such as dogs and coyotes. Vertical transmission can also occur from a mother donkey to her offspring. Minimizing exposure to these sources, especially in areas with a known Neospora presence, is crucial for prevention.

What diagnostic methods are employed to detect Neospora infections in donkeys, and how effective are these techniques?

Diagnosis of Neospora infection in donkeys involves both serological and parasitological methods. Common serological tests include indirect immunofluorescence (RIFI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study in Sucre, Colombia, used Dot-ELISA with a recombinant peptide (NcGRA1) to detect the presence of IgG specific to Neospora caninum.

What does the recent study in Sucre, Colombia, reveal about the prevalence of Neospora in donkeys, and what are the implications for donkey health management?

The study conducted in Sucre, Colombia, revealed a 19.7% occurrence of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in the sampled donkeys (Equus asinus). This finding suggests that Neospora is present in the donkey population in this region. However, more extensive research is needed to determine the broader prevalence across Colombia and understand the clinical implications of Neospora infection in donkeys. This study used a sample size of 56 donkeys and further testing using a larger sample size, spread across different regions within Colombia would allow for a more accurate prevalence. The data should also capture breeds, age and health status.

What are the potential clinical signs of Neospora infection in donkeys, and how do these symptoms compare to those of other equine diseases?

Clinical signs of Neospora infection in adult horses, which may be relevant to donkeys, can mimic those of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). These signs include blindness, paralysis, behavioral changes, and incoordination. If a donkey exhibits these symptoms, veterinary consultation is essential to determine if Neospora could be the cause, allowing for timely intervention and management strategies to mitigate potential long-term health impacts.