title: Factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in confined farrow-to-finish pig herds in western France: an exploratory study in 60 herds.
abstract: Infection by Toxoplasma gondii postnatally can occur after ingestion of contaminated meat or water (tissue cysts/oocysts). In Europe, percentage of meat borne infections is estimated between 30 and 63 %, out of which pork makes the most important source. The aim of this study was to (i) investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in intensive pig farms from western France; and (ii) identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity.
  
  
  
  Data were collected between November 2006 and February 2008 in 60 intensive farrow-to-finish farms, where sera were taken from 3595 fattening pigs, weaned and suckling piglets. Information about three classes of potential seropositivity risk factors were obtained through a questionnaire concerning: (i) breeding characteristics; (ii) farm management; and (iii) husbandry and hygiene. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used for detection of specific anti T. gondii antibodies in pig sera, starting from 1/6 dilution.
  
  
  
  The overall proportion of seropositive animals was 6.9 %, but the proportion of herds with at least one positive pig was 100 %. Multivariate logistic mixed model showed an increased seropositivity risk in weaned compared to suckling piglets, and a decreasing risk for mid-sized and large farms. The presence of a Danish entry facility, that clearly separates clean and dirty areas, had a protective effect on T. gondii seropositivity as well.
  
  
  
  The observed proportion of herds with at least one T. gondii seropositive animal provides further evidence that even in confined conditions of pig breeding, infection occurs, and is common. The highest risk for acquiring T. gondii is at the end of weaning period. Smaller confined pig farms demonstrate higher T. gondii seropositivity levels. This study also showed that Danish entry on farm buildings provides effective protection against T. gondii.
authors: Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.|Institute for Medical Research, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Djokic
authors: ANSES, Unité Epidémiologie et Bien-Etre du Porc, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Fablet
authors: Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Blaga
authors: ANSES, Unité Epidémiologie et Bien-Etre du Porc, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Rose
authors: ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Perret
authors: Institute for Medical Research, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia.
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Djurkovic-Djakovic
authors: ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Boireau
authors: ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, Epidemiology unit, Maisons-Alfort, France. benoit.durand@anses.fr.
authors: B
authors: 0000-0003-0669-1394
authors: B
authors: Durand
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006799:Housing, Animal; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D014122:Toxoplasma; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000635:transmission
keywords: Intensive pig farm; Risk factors; Toxoplasma gondii