Sharifah Syed Hussain
Doctor of Philosophy, (Veterinary Science)
Study Completed: 2015
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Some aspects of the epidemiology of neosporosis in sheep in New Zealand
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Recent reports from New Zealand indicate Neospora caninum may have a role in causing reproductive problems in sheep. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of neosporosis in sheep in New Zealand is limited. Ms Syed-Hussain''sresearch addressed some questions regarding the mode of transmission, serological prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of N. caninum in sheep in New Zealand. Results showed that venereal transmission is not possible in sheep but vertical transmission occurs readily once the ewe is infected. Ms Syed-Hussain also validated an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that was able to differentiate between recently and chronically infected sheep. Using sheep as a model for cattle, treatment using toltrazuril was also found not to be effective in eliminating the disease in congenitally infected lambs. Though overall seroprevalence of neosporosis in sheep is low on New Zealand farms, further work is required to fully determine if N. caninum is causing reproductive problems in New Zealand sheep.
Supervisors
Professor Bill Pomroy
Professor David West
Professor Norm Williamson
Associate Professor Laryssa Howe