Sheep and goat toxoplasmosis: soroepidemiological study in two regions in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

In order to compare some epidemiological variables in goat and sheep toxoplasmosis, serum samples of animals from different farms in two regions from the State of Pernambuco, Brazil, were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of 173 sheep sera tested, 35.3% had positive results, while 40.4% of 213 goats serum samples were positive to IFAT. In sheep, significant associations were found to sex and breed, but not to region, kind of management or reproductive failure. Results of IFAT for goats were associated to sex, breed, region, kind of management and exploration, but not to reproductive failure.

toxoplasmosis; sheep; goat; IFAT; epidemiology