In the sprawling pastures of Uruguay, a silent predator is costing the dairy industry millions. It’s not a wolf or a coyote, but a microscopic parasite called Neospora caninum. This stealthy invader is responsible for a significant number of abortions in dairy cattle, leading to substantial economic losses that have, until now, gone largely unquantified. A groundbreaking study led by Miguel Carrillo Parraguez from the Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal at the Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) in Uruguay has shed light on the true cost of this hidden menace.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, estimates that abortions caused by Neospora caninum cost the Uruguayan dairy sector nearly US$ 12 million annually. This figure is a stark reminder of the economic impact of diseases that often go unnoticed. “The economic losses are not just about the immediate loss of a calf,” explains Carrillo Parraguez. “They include delayed lactation, reduced productive life, and even the early culling of affected cows. These losses ripple through the entire dairy production chain.”
The research team used an adjusted bioeconomic model to estimate the economic losses from abortions occurring in the second or third gestational trimester. They found that the average economic loss per abortion due to neosporosis was US$ 868 if the cow remained in the herd without further abortions, and a staggering US$ 1,866 if the cow was culled after the abortion. These figures vary based on the gestational stage and the age of the aborting cow, with the worst-case scenario being a late abortion in first-pregnancy heifers.
The study also highlighted the physical impact of these abortions, estimating a total loss of 62 million liters of milk. This volume represents 3.3% of the milk industrialized annually in Uruguay, a significant figure for a country where dairy farming is a cornerstone of the agricultural economy.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For dairy farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers, these findings provide a clear economic rationale for implementing control and prevention strategies for bovine neosporosis. “This information can help us evaluate the cost-benefit of various interventions,” says Carrillo Parraguez. “It’s not just about treating the disease; it’s about preventing it in the first place.”
The study also underscores the need for a tailored approach to estimating the economic impact of bovine diseases in Uruguay’s unique grazing dairy production system. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, understanding and mitigating the impact of diseases like neosporosis will be crucial for maintaining productivity and profitability.
Looking ahead, this research could shape future developments in the field by encouraging more targeted and effective disease management strategies. It also highlights the importance of ongoing research and surveillance to identify and address emerging threats to the dairy industry. As the global demand for dairy products continues to grow, so too will the need for innovative solutions to keep our herds healthy and productive.
For the dairy industry in Uruguay and beyond, the fight against Neospora caninum is far from over. But with the insights provided by this groundbreaking study, farmers and policymakers have a powerful new tool in their arsenal. By understanding the true cost of this hidden predator, they can take proactive steps to protect their herds and secure the future of dairy production.