Toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats
Abortion and perinatal loss in both sheep and goats is caused by the asexual proliferative stages of Toxoplasma gondii, with formation of tissue cysts.
Infection of the dam can be by sporulated T gondii oocysts from cats, or by T gondii cysts in infected intermediate-host tissues (eg infected placenta).
Diagnosis
Typical lesions in placenta and foetal brain (necrogranulomas in brain). Serology by Latex test.
Specimens required
- Those required for abortion in sheep (see Abortion in sheep).
NB. Foetal membranes must be submitted if toxoplasmosis is to be diagnosed.
Serological titres of 4 or more in the Latex test are considered positive.