Abstract
In a seroepidemiological survey using an indirect haemagglutination assay, the prevalence rate of toxoplasmosis in central Ethiopia was 22.9% of 899 sheep, 11.6% of 753 goats and 6.6% of 785 cattle. There were high titres of 1:256 or more which suggest current infections. These results indicate that toxoplasmosis may be an important cause of reproductive wastage in small ruminants. The public health significance of this disease is discussed. Improved hygiene and management could reduce the prevalence of the disease.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Blewett, D.A., Miller, J.K. and Buxton, D., 1982. Response of immune and susceptible ewes to infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Veterinary Record, 111, 175–177
Blewett, D.A. and Trees, A.J., 1987. The epidemiology of ovine toxoplasmosis with especial respect to control. British Veterinary Journal, 143, 128–135
Connor, R.J. and Halliwell, R.W., 1985. A serological survey of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep in southern Tanzania. Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 79, 111–112.
Dubey, J.P., 1986. A review of toxoplasmosis in cattle. Veterinary Parasitology, 22, 177–202
Dubey, J.P. and Schmitz, J.A., 1981. Abortion associated with toxoplasmosis in sheep in Oregon. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 178, 675–678
FAO, 1986. FAO Production Year Book, Vol. 40.
Linklater, K.A., 1979. Abortion in sheep. In Practice, 1, 30–33
Miller, J.K., Blewett, D.A. and Buxton, D., 1982. Clinical and serological response of pregnant gimmers to experimental induced toxoplasmosis. Veterinary Record, 111, 124–126
Nurse, G.H. and Lenghaus, C., 1986. An outbreak of Toxoplasma gondii abortion, mummification and perinatal death in goats. Australian Veterinary Journal, 63, 27–29
Okoh, A.E.J., Agbonlahor, D.E. and Momoh, M., 1981. Toxoplasmosis in Nigeria — a serological survey. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 13, 137–143.
Rifaat, M.A., Morsy, T.A., Sadek, M.S.M., Khalid, M.L.M., Azab, M.E. and Safar, E.H., 1978. Prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies among slaughtered animals in lower Egypt. Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 8, 339–345
Snedecor, G.W. and Cochran, W.G., 1967. Statistical Methods, (The Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa), 593 pp.
Wellcome Diagnostics, 1983. Toxoplasmosis HA test: Haemagglutination kit for the detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, (Dartford DA1 5AH, UK), 22 pp.
Zain Eldin, E.A., Elkhawad, S.E. and Kheir, H.S.M., 1985. A serological survey for Toxoplasma antibodies in cattle, sheep, goats and camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Sudan. Revue d'Elevage et de Medicine Veterinaire des Pays Tropicaux, 38, 247–249
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bekele, T., Kasali, O.B. Toxoplasmosis in sheep, goats and cattle in central Ethiopia. Veterinary Research Communications 13, 371–375 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346069
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346069