Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in ruminants from Somalia

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, including humans, in the case of T. gondii, and cause economic losses in livestock due to abortion and neonatal mortality. In Somalia, zoonotic diseases are concerning due to cultural practices and livestock's economic importance, but surveillance is limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in Somali sheep, goats, and cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2018 and January 2020 in Benadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia. Blood samples were collected from 128 cattle, 184 goats, and 46 sheep. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies using IFAT, and PCR was performed on extracted DNA to detect T. gondii and N. caninum DNA. Overall, 106/358 (29.6%) animals tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with the highest prevalence in sheep (62.5%), followed by goats (30.4%) and cattle (15.6%) (P < 0.001). For anti-N. caninum antibodies, 13/358 (3.6%) animals tested positive, with cattle showing the highest prevalence (6.2%), followed by goats and sheep (both 2.2%). Co-seropositivity for both antibodies was found in cattle and sheep. Molecular detection of T. gondii DNA revealed a prevalence of 9/358 (2.5%), primarily in sheep (15.2%) and cattle at 1.6% while all goat samples tested negative. No samples were positive for the N. caninum Nc5 gene. This study reveals T. gondii and N. caninum prevalence in Somali ruminants, highlighting the need for better surveillance and control.