Half the Herd Is Exposed? What Goat Vets Need to Know About Toxoplasma and Neospora in Mexico

Reproductive loss in goats is one of those problems that quietly drains productivity while frustrating veterinarians and producers alike. Abortions happen, kids are lost, and the underlying cause often stays frustratingly vague. New data from Mexico suggests that two familiar protozoan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, may be playing a much bigger role in caprine reproductive health than many of us assumed. This study takes a wide angle view, blending serology, management data, and climate information to ask a simple but important question. How common are these infections in goats, and what factors actually drive risk across different regions?

Researchers collected blood samples from 627 goats across two Mexican states representing dry and temperate climates. Using commercially available ELISA kits, they measured IgG antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum, providing a window into past exposure rather than just active disease. The results were eye opening. Overall seroprevalence of T. gondii reached 52 percent across all regions, climbing to over 57 percent in dry climates and remaining high at 48 percent in temperate areas. N. caninum was less prevalent but still significant, with an overall seroprevalence of 15.5 percent and higher rates again seen in dry regions. In practical terms, this means that exposure to these parasites is not rare or isolated. In some herds, it may be the norm.

Beyond prevalence, the real value of this work lies in its analysis of risk factors. By combining questionnaire data on animal characteristics and farm management with remotely sensed climate variables, the researchers were able to tease out patterns that feel immediately relevant to field practice. For T. gondii, sex emerged as a significant factor in temperate climates, while a history of abortion stood out as the strongest association in dry regions. The presence of cats was also a key factor in areas spanning both dry and temperate climates, reinforcing the classic but sometimes underestimated role of felids in environmental contamination.

Neospora caninum told a slightly different story. Goat age and a history of abortion were strongly associated with higher seropositivity in dry climates, suggesting cumulative exposure over time and a clear link to reproductive failure. Across climate regions, abortion history and regional climate itself were shared risk factors for both infections. Taken together, these findings highlight that climate is not just background noise. It actively shapes exposure risk, parasite survival, and ultimately herd health outcomes.

For veterinarians working with small ruminants, especially in regions with variable climates, these data underscore the need to think regionally rather than relying on one size fits all control strategies. High seroprevalence means that completely avoiding exposure may be unrealistic. Instead, targeted monitoring, improved reproductive surveillance, and practical biosecurity measures become essential. Simple interventions such as managing cat access to feed and kidding areas, paying closer attention to abortion history, and stratifying risk by age and sex can make parasite control more achievable. From a herd health perspective, these infections should be part of the differential diagnosis when reproductive losses occur, even in the absence of dramatic clinical signs.

This study makes a strong case for regionally adapted control programs that reflect real world climate and management conditions. As climate variability continues to influence livestock systems, integrating environmental data into parasitic disease management may shift from being innovative to absolutely necessary. For veterinary professionals, the message is clear. If you are not thinking about Toxoplasma and Neospora in goats, especially in dry and temperate regions, you may be missing a major piece of the reproductive health puzzle.

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