IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Gebremedhin, E.Z.; Agonafir, A.; Tessema, T.S.; Tilahun, G.; Medhin, G.; Vitale, M.; di Marco, V.; Cox, E.; Vercruysse, J.; Dorny, P. | |
| Seroepidemiological study of ovine toxoplamsosis in East and West Shewa Zones of Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia | |
| 2013 BMC Veterinary Research (9): 117-124 | |
The objectives of the present study were to estimate the seroprevalence and the risk factors of _Toxoplasma gondii_ infection in sheep in Ambo, Ada'a-Liben and Fentale districts of Central Ethiopia. Sera from 1130 sheep were analyzed for _T. gondii_ specific lgG antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with the P30 antigen.A questionnaire was administered to assess potential risk factors for _T. gondii_ seropositivity. Association of seroprevalence with potential risk factors related to altitude, host and farm characteristics were analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Overall flock and animal level seroprevalences wer 70.48% (160/227; 95% CI: 64.51, 76.46) and 31.59% (357/1130; 95% CI: 28.88, 34.31), respectively. The high flock and animal level seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep is a good marker of the potential risk for human infections. Altitude, sex, age, flock size and source of water were identified as important risk factors to acquire the infection. Presence of wild felids in the study areas did not affect the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis. Public education and awareness training are imperative in order to alleviate the danger posed to consumers. Further detailed studies to assess the impact of infections are warranted. |
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