Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in captive and free-ranging nondomestic felids in the United States.
Seven serum samples of 101 samples from nondomestic, captive and free-ranging felids from the United States were indirect fluorescent antibody positive for antibodies to Neospora caninum, whereas 44 samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Although none of the captive animals displayed clinical signs of disease, nondomestic felids in the United States have been exposed to, and are likely infected with, N. caninum and T. gondii. This may have serious implications for zoological gardens exhibiting susceptible animals, such as kangaroos, close to felids.
Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.
Jennifer A
JA
Spencer
Michael J
MJ
Higginbotham
Byron L
BL
Blagburn
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000469:parasitology; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000469:parasitology; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D002335:Carnivora / Q000469:parasitology*; D002415:Cats; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D018688:Neospora / Q000276:immunology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan