Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Pigeons (Columba livia) in Taiwan

Starting from January 2004 to December 2004, 665 blood serum samples from pigeons (Columba livia) were collected from 44 pigeonaries in 11 counties and 20 regions in Taiwan. These samples were examined by latex agglutination test (LAT) for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by using the LAT. Antibodies were found in 4.7% (31/ 665) of pigeons at a LAT titer of 1:32 or higher. The prevalence in Taiwan was highest in the northern areas (6.0%; 13/216) and lowest in the eastern areas (1.8%; 2/111).