SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN SHEEP AND GOATS

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats by using Latex agglutination test. Blood samples were taken from sheep (50) and goats (50) from slaughter house of Lahore and local sheep & goat farms. The serum was separated and analyzed for anti Toxoplasma antibodies. The animals were divided in three groups, Group I included animals below one year, Group II consisted of 1-4 years of age and Group III 4 years and above. The 8 and 6 percent overall seroprevalence were recorded in sheep and goats respectively. Age titer relationship in sheep showed that Group III had (12.5percent), Group II (7.6 percent) and Group I had no positive case. In goats Group III had (10 percent), Group II (5.7 percent) and no seropositive case in Group I could be recorded. The infection was higher in older animals than young ones. Breed wise seroprevalence indicated that disease was recorded in 14.28 percent Kcchhi, 8.33 percent Desi (none descript) and 0.00 percent in Lohi and Thali breeds respectively. In goats 11.11 percent, 5.55 percent and 0.00 percent sero positivity cases were recorded in Teddy, Desi (none descript) and Beetal goats respectively.