Toxoplasma infection and abortion in dairy goats.
Serological investigation by the indirect haemagglutination test for Toxoplasma antibodies was carried out in a flock of dairy goats. Antibody titres ranging from 1:4 to 1:1,024 were found in 34% of 371 apparently healthy animals. High antibody titres of 1:256 suggestive of recent infection were noted in 18(4.9%) animals including 13 nannies. The occurrence of a number of non-brucella abortions associated with high serological titres and the isolation of the parasite from the brain tissues of an aborted foetus suggested Toxoplasma as a probable aetiologic factor. Sera having significantly levels of haemagglutinating antibodies (greater than or equal to 1:128) were also found positive to the card agglutination test. Epidemiological aspects and the public health potential of subclinical toxoplasmosis in dairy goats are discussed.
D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000209:etiology*; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001921:Brain / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D006041:Goats; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000906:Antibodies