Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in sheep raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil

Res Vet Sci. 2010 Feb;88(1):104-6. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.06.006. Epub 2009 Jul 8.

Abstract

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in sheep from different properties in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil were determined. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were found in sera of 52.0% of 488 sheep tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT > or =64). T. gondii seropositivity in sheep was significantly associated with gender of the sheep, pasturing system, contact with cats, and the use of mineral supplements and the type of feed.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / parasitology
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / immunology
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cats / parasitology
  • Disease Vectors
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / veterinary
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sheep / parasitology
  • Sheep Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sheep Diseases / etiology
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology*
  • Toxoplasma
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / etiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial