LEVANTAMENTO SOROEPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA TOXOPLASMOSE EM OVINOS NA ILHA DE SÃO LUÍS-MA

Toxoplasmosis is a disease transmitted to animals by contaminated food. It affects several species, but mainly small ruminants, causing miscarriages and congenital disorders. This study assesses prevalence and risk factors of anti-T. gondii infection in goat herds on the island of Sao Luis, Maranhao. Serum samples from 161 sheep were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for detection of T. gondii antibodies. An agglutination titre at a 1:64 dilution was considered as a cut-off level. Results revealed an estimated prevalence of 23% (95% CI = 17,90% - 30,6%). Furthermore, 8 (88,9%) out of 9 properties showed seropositive samples. Factors associated with sheep infection were: water source, nipple drinking system, and reproductive disorders.