Epidemiological survey of abortion in camels (Camelus dromedarius) and histopathological investigation of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in those animals from slaughterhouses in Southeastern Algeria

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are heteroxenous apicomplexan parasites recognized as major causes of reproductive disorders in numerous mammalian species. The present study aimed to assess through an epidemiological survey, the prevalence of reproductive losses in 75 dromedary herds during the period 2022-2025, as well as the associated risk factors, and to detect these protozoa by histopathological analysis in 63 dromedaries slaughtered at the slaughterhouse of El Oued province (126 samples: 63 hearts and 63 diaphragms). The survey revealed that 80% of the herds had a history of abortions, of which 60% also reported cases of stillbirth. Risk factor analysis showed a significant association exclusively with the presence of domestic cats and dogs (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed forms compatible with T. gondii exclusively in the cardiac tissue of adult females, with tachyzoites detected in one animal (1.6%) and tissue cysts in two animals (3.17%). No evidence of N. caninum was detected. Cardiac lesions were characterized by mononuclear cell infiltrates, focal hemorrhages and areas of necrosis, indicating marked inflammatory and vascular reactions. These findings suggest that T. gondii, may be involved in reproductive losses in dromedaries and effective parasite control strategies specific to dromedary camels need to be developed.