[1] The genome sequence of Neospora caninum has been determined by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the University of Liverpool.

Neospora caninum has a heteroxenous life cycle, with the sexually reproductive stage occurring in the intestine of a definitive host.

[7] Transplacental transmission (passage from mother to offspring during pregnancy) has also been shown to occur in dogs, cats, sheep and cattle.

[7] In addition, if the aborted fetus and membranes are then eaten by the definitive host, they cause further infection and the cycle is complete.

In dogs, Neospora caninum can cause neurological signs, especially in congenitally infected puppies, where it can form cysts in the central nervous system.

[9] The discovery that coyotes are definitive hosts may increase the risk of transmission of N. caninum to domestic livestock as well as to wild ruminants such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

[5] Studies suggest that the parasite may be widespread among wildlife and that infection cycles cross over between wild and domestic animals.

[11][12] Sparrows, which are common in urban and rural areas, may serve as a food source for wild and domestic carnivores.

[7] N. caninum infections have been reported from most parts of the world with studies in the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Estonia, Germany, and Portugal.