**2. Toxoplasmosis in domestic animals**

### **2.1. Recent data from the Czech Republic**

#### *Serological studies*

56 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

Gallinaceous

bird

animals from several countries.

different serological methods is summarized in Table 1.

Animal Prevalence Assay Reference

*T. gondii* antibodies have been found in animals worldwide. Seroprevalence to *T. gondii* varies among countries, within different areas of a country and within the same city. Dubey (2010) summarized the results of seroprevalence studies performed on different groups of

In the Czech Republic, some important studies concerning *T. gondii* in animals were done in past years. The seroprevalence of *T. gondii* infection in domestic animals obtained by

Cat 17 – 91% SFT, CFT, MPA, IFAT Havlik and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Dog 15 – 58% SFT, CFT, MPA Havlik and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Sheep 4 – 77% SFT, CFT, MPA, IHA, IFAT Zastera et al. 1966, Zastera et al. 1969,

Goat 20 – 86% SFT, CFT, IFAT Havlik and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Cattle 2 – 42% SFT Havlík and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Pig 0.1 – 38% SFT, CFT, MPA Havlik and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Horse 4 – 11% SFT, CFT Havlik and Hubner 1958, Zastera et al.

Water fowl 2 – 33% SFT Zastera et al. 1965, Zastera et al. 1969,

Rabbit 6 – 95% SFT, CFT Havlik and Hubner 1958, Havlik and

SFT – Sabin-Feldman Test, CFT – Complement Fixation Test, MPA – Microprecipitation in Agar, IHA –Indirect

**Table 1.** *Toxoplasma gondii* prevalence and assays used in different groups of domestic animals in the

Hemaglutination Assay, IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test

Czech Republic until year 2000

0 – 20% SFT Zastera et al. 1965, Zastera et al. 1969,

1993

1966, Zastera et al. 1969, Svoboda and Svobodova 1987, Svoboda 1988

1966, Zastera et al. 1969, Svoboda and Svobodova 1987, Hejlicek et al. 1995,

Arnaudov et al. 1976, Kozojed et al. 1977,

1966, Zastera et al. 1969, Hejlicek and Literak 1994b, Literak et al. 1995,

1969, Kozojed et al. 1977, Hejlicek and Literak 1993, Hejlicek and Literak 1994b,

1969, Kozojed et al. 1977, Hejlicek and Literak 1994a, Zastera et al. 1966

Kozojed et al. 1977, Literak and Hejlicek

Hubner 1960, Zastera et al. 1969 , Kunstyr et al. 1970, Hejlicek and Literak 1994d

Hejlicek et al. 1995

Hejlicek and Literak 1994c

Slosarkova et al. 1999

Vostalova et al. 2000

Literak and Hejlicek 1993

1969, Kozojed et al. 1977

During years 1995-2012, the samples of blood were collected from different groups of animals and examined for specific *T. gondii* antibodies. The animals tested for *T. gondii* antibodies were clinically healthy, no case of abortion or other symptoms of toxoplasmosis were recorded. The blood samples were collected by veterinarians on farms, zoo or during hunting seasons and sent to State Veterinary Institute Prague for routine examination.

In a group of domestic animals, in total 4254 animals were tested with the following number of animals used: 286 cats, 413 dogs, 547 sheep, 251 goats, 546 cattle, 551 pigs, 552 horses and 1108 poultry (217 chickens and 293 broilers, 60 turkeys, 178 geese and 360 ducks). The animals came from 2 – 14 different districts of the Czech Republic (Figure 1).

Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 59

Animal Assay (cut-off) Conjugate for IFAT Producer

IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, ELISA – Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, LAT – Latex

Animals *T. gondii* Assay (cut-off) Titres or %S/P Reference n positive %

**Table 2.** Serologic method, cut-off, specific conjugates for IFAT and producer used in domestic animals.

Cat 286 126 44 IFAT (40) 40 – 81920 Sedlak and Bartova 2006b Dog 413 107 26 IFAT (40) 40 – 10240 Sedlak and Bartova 2006b Sheep 547 325 59 ELISA (50%S/P) 50 – 200 Bartova et al. 2009a Goat 251 166 66 ELISA (50%S/P) 56 – 191 Bartova et al. 2012 Cattle 546 53 9.7 ELISA (50%S/P) 50 – 200 Bartova et al. (unpublished) Pig 551 198 36 ELISA (50%S/P) 50 – 337 Bartova and Sedlak 2011 Horse 552 125 23 LAT – Bartova et al. 2010a

Chicken 510 0 0 IFAT (40) – Bartova et al. 2009a Broiler 293 1 0.3 IFAT (40) 40 Bartova et al. 2009a Turkey 60 0 0 IFAT (40) – Bartova et al. 2009a Goose 178 77 43 IFAT (40) 40 – 2560 Bartova et al. 2009a Duck 360 52 14 IFAT (40) 40 – 320 Bartova et al. 2009a

IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, ELISA – Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, LAT – Latex

**Table 3.** The result of serological examination of domestic animals with method used, cut-off, titres and

In the Czech Republic, two experimental studies were conducted on domestic poultry.

Agglutination Test

Poultry

Agglutination Test

%S/P in positive samples

*Experimental studies* 

Cat IFAT (≥40) anti-cat IgG Sigma Aldrich, USA Dog IFAT (≥40) anti-dog IgG Sigma Aldrich, USA Sheep ELISA (≥50%S/P) – Sigma Aldrich, USA Goat ELISA (≥50% S/P) – Sigma Aldrich, USA Cattle ELISA (≥50% S/P) – Sigma Aldrich, USA Pig ELISA (≥50% S/P) – Sigma Aldrich, USA Horse LAT anti-horse IgG VMRD, Pulman, USA Chicken Broiler IFAT (≥40) anti-chicken IgG Sigma Aldrich, USA Turkey IFAT (≥40) anti-chicken IgG Sigma Aldrich, USA Goose IFAT (≥40) anti-duck IgG KPL, USA Duck IFAT (≥40) anti-duck IgG KPL, USA

CB – Central Bohemia (cat, dog, sheep, goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, hare, wild ruminant), HK – Hradec Králové (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar), KV – Karlovy Vary (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Li – Liberec (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Pa – Pardubice (goat, horse, poultry), Pl – Plzeň (goat, cattle, pigs, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Pr – Prague (goat, cattle, horse, poultry, wild ruminant), O – Olomouc (poultry, hare, wild ruminant), NM – North Moravia (cat, dog, poultry, wild ruminant), SB – South Bohemia (horse, pig, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), SM – South Moravia (poultry, hare, wild ruminant), Ú – Ústí nad Labem (sheep, goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), V – Vysočina (pig, poultry, wild ruminant), Z – Zlín (poultry)

**Figure 1.** Map of the Czech Republic showing the sampled area with domestic and game animals tested for *T. gondii* antibodies.

Sera of domestic animals were tested for *T. gondii* antibodies by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using the Sevatest Toxoplasma Antigen IFR (Sevac, Prague, Czech Republic) and specific conjugates, by an ELISA (Institut Pourquier, Montpellier, France), or by a latex agglutination test (Pastorex TM Toxo, Biorad, France). The data on the method and cut-off used, specific conjugate for IFAT and producer are summarized in Table 2.

In a group of domestic animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 66% goats, 59% sheep, 44% cats, 36% pigs, 26% dogs, 23% horses, 12% poultry (43% goose, 14% ducks, and 0.3% in broiler; turkeys and chickens were negative) and 9.7% cattle. The results of serological examination including the number of samples tested, the method and cut-off used, the number and percentage of positive samples, titres or %S/P obtained in positive samples and reference about published data are summarized in Table 3.


IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, ELISA – Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, LAT – Latex Agglutination Test

**Table 2.** Serologic method, cut-off, specific conjugates for IFAT and producer used in domestic animals.


IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, ELISA – Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, LAT – Latex Agglutination Test

**Table 3.** The result of serological examination of domestic animals with method used, cut-off, titres and %S/P in positive samples

#### *Experimental studies*

58 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

Pl

KV

Germany

(pig, poultry, wild ruminant), Z – Zlín (poultry)

CB

SB

Ú

Pr

Li

Austria

ence about published data are summarized in Table 3.

for *T. gondii* antibodies.

Table 2.

CB – Central Bohemia (cat, dog, sheep, goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, hare, wild ruminant), HK – Hradec Králové (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar), KV – Karlovy Vary (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Li – Liberec (goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Pa – Pardubice (goat, horse, poultry), Pl – Plzeň (goat, cattle, pigs, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), Pr – Prague (goat, cattle, horse, poultry, wild ruminant), O – Olomouc (poultry, hare, wild ruminant), NM – North Moravia (cat, dog, poultry, wild ruminant), SB – South Bohemia (horse, pig, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), SM – South Moravia (poultry, hare, wild ruminant), Ú – Ústí nad Labem (sheep, goat, cattle, pig, horse, poultry, wild boar, wild ruminant), V – Vysočina

HK

Pa

V

SM

O

Poland

NM

Slovak Republic

Z

**Figure 1.** Map of the Czech Republic showing the sampled area with domestic and game animals tested

Sera of domestic animals were tested for *T. gondii* antibodies by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using the Sevatest Toxoplasma Antigen IFR (Sevac, Prague, Czech Republic) and specific conjugates, by an ELISA (Institut Pourquier, Montpellier, France), or by a latex agglutination test (Pastorex TM Toxo, Biorad, France). The data on the method and cut-off used, specific conjugate for IFAT and producer are summarized in

In a group of domestic animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 66% goats, 59% sheep, 44% cats, 36% pigs, 26% dogs, 23% horses, 12% poultry (43% goose, 14% ducks, and 0.3% in broiler; turkeys and chickens were negative) and 9.7% cattle. The results of serological examination including the number of samples tested, the method and cut-off used, the number and percentage of positive samples, titres or %S/P obtained in positive samples and refer-

In the Czech Republic, two experimental studies were conducted on domestic poultry.

The first study was conducted on chickens (*Gallus domesticus*) that were inoculated *per os* with two different doses of *T. gondii* oocysts (Sedlak et al. 2000b). Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected by IFAT first on day 14 p.i.; all chickens were serologically positive on days 21 and 28 p.i. No clinical symptoms were recorded. Parasite *T. gondii* was isolated from heart, muscle, spleen and brain. In one case, no *T. gondii* was isolated from any organ. Based on this experiment chickens seems highly resistant to *T. gondii* infection.

Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 61

Republic, not yet a case of toxoplasmic abortion has been recorded in sheep herds. Seroprevalence was shown to increase with age, suggesting that animals acquire infection postnatally, however transplacental transmission of *T. gondii* may be more common than previously believed. Antibodies to *T. gondii* have been found in sheep worldwide (Dubey 2010). There is no validation of any serological test for the detection of *T. gondii* infection in

In Europe, the highest prevalence 96% was found by ELISA in Turkey (Mor and Arslan 2007), while the lowest 10% was found in Slovak Republic by SFT (Kovacova 1993). We found 59% prevalence by ELISA. In the Czech Republic, 4% – 77% prevalence was found in

Based on experimental studies, *T. gondii* was more frequently detected in brain and heart than in muscles; however *T. gondii* was detected also in milk (Camossi et al. 2011). Attention

*T. gondii* antibodies have been found in goats worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, the highest prevalence 91% was found by LAT in Netherland (McSporran et al. 1985), while no antibodies were found in Poland by IFAT (Gerecki et al. 2005). We found 66% prevalence by

Goats appear to be more susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis compared to other domestic animals, and even adult goats could die of acute toxoplasmosis. In the Czech Republic, toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two Angora goat herds in South Moravia with an outbreak of abortions and births of weak kids; the goats showed also iodine deficiency (Slosarkova et al. 1999). Based on several experimental studies conducted on goats, *T. gondii* was detected in liver, muscles, heart, diaphragm, brain, kidneys and could be excreted in semen and milk. Attention should be paid to raw goat meat and milk if consumed without sufficient

Serum antibodies to *T. gondii* have been found in cattle in many surveys worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, the highest seroprevalence 92% was found by MAT in Italy (Avezza et al. 1993), while no antibodies were found in Slovak Republic (Pleva et al. 1997) and Turkey (Oz et al. 1995). Actual prevalence rates are likely to be lower than indicated because of problem with the specifity of the tests used. The SFT test gives false or erratic results with cattle sera; on the other hand a titer of 1:100 or higher in the MAT appears to be indicative of *T. gondii*  infection in cattle (Dubey 2010). We found 9.7% seroprevalence by ELISA. In the previous

studies in the Czech Republic, 2% – 42% seroprevalence was found by SFT and DT.

There are no confirmed reports of clinical toxoplasmosis in adult cattle. In cattle, *T. gondii* can be transplacentally transmitted resulting in aborts; but it is probably a rare occurrence. There is more important parasite *Neospora caninum* leading to abortion in cattle. In the Czech Republic, there is very low prevalence of *N. caninum* in herds of cattle. The ingestion of beef

should be paid to meat or milk consumed without sufficient temperature treatment.

ELISA. In the Czech Republic, 20% – 86% prevalence was found in past years.

sheep; different methods and cut-off are used.

past years.

*Goats* 

*Cattle* 

temperature treatment.

The second experimental study was conducted on domestic ducks (Bartova et al. 2004). Ducks were inoculated *per os* with different doses of *T. gondii* oocysts. Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected in all ducks by IFAT on day 7 p.i. Antibody titres were found in the range of 20–640 depending on the infectious dose of the oocysts. From day 14 p.i., antibody titres increased to 80–20 480. Bioassay in mice revealed *T. gondii* in the breast and leg muscles, heart, brain, liver and stomach. The infected ducks showed no clinical symptoms, however, the results of bioassay indicate that, compared to gallinaceous birds, domestic ducks are relatively susceptible to *T. gondii* infection.

#### **2.2. Comparison of data obtained**

#### *Cats*

Clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in cats include fever, anorexia, dyspnea, uveitis, pneumonitis and others. Kittens can develop acute toxoplasmosis and die from it. The seropositivity increases with the age of cat, indicating postnatal transmission of infection. *T. gondii* antibodies have been found worldwide (Dubey 2010). Seroprevalence varies among countries, within different areas of a country and within the same city. In Europe, the highest prevalence 76% was found by SFT in Turkey (Karatepe et al. 2008), while the lowest 17% in Israel by ELISA (Salant and Spira 2004). In the Czech Republic, we found 44% prevalence by IFAT. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 17% – 91% prevalence was found by SFT, CFT and MPA. During the last 20 years, there is a trend of decreasing seroprevalence especially in cats staying at home and fed with commercial diet.

#### *Dogs*

*T. gondii* antibodies have been found in canine sera worldwide. Seroprevalence increases with age indicating postnatal infection, is higher in dogs from rural areas, in dogs housed exclusively outdoors, in dogs eating birds, small mammals, meat, viscera and home-cooked meals (Lopes et al. 2011b). In Europe, the highest prevalence 75% was found by SFT in Turkey (Aktas et al. 1998), while the lowest 5% in Sweden by ELISA (Lunden et al. 2002). In the Czech Republic, we found 26% prevalence by IFAT. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 4% – 58% prevalence was found by SFT or CFT. The lower prevalence is recorded in dogs staying at home and fed with commercial diet.

#### *Sheep*

*T. gondii* has been recognized as one of the main cause of infective ovine abortion in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States. In the Czech Republic, not yet a case of toxoplasmic abortion has been recorded in sheep herds. Seroprevalence was shown to increase with age, suggesting that animals acquire infection postnatally, however transplacental transmission of *T. gondii* may be more common than previously believed. Antibodies to *T. gondii* have been found in sheep worldwide (Dubey 2010). There is no validation of any serological test for the detection of *T. gondii* infection in sheep; different methods and cut-off are used.

In Europe, the highest prevalence 96% was found by ELISA in Turkey (Mor and Arslan 2007), while the lowest 10% was found in Slovak Republic by SFT (Kovacova 1993). We found 59% prevalence by ELISA. In the Czech Republic, 4% – 77% prevalence was found in past years.

Based on experimental studies, *T. gondii* was more frequently detected in brain and heart than in muscles; however *T. gondii* was detected also in milk (Camossi et al. 2011). Attention should be paid to meat or milk consumed without sufficient temperature treatment.

#### *Goats*

60 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

relatively susceptible to *T. gondii* infection.

cially in cats staying at home and fed with commercial diet.

recorded in dogs staying at home and fed with commercial diet.

**2.2. Comparison of data obtained** 

*Cats* 

*Dogs* 

*Sheep* 

The first study was conducted on chickens (*Gallus domesticus*) that were inoculated *per os* with two different doses of *T. gondii* oocysts (Sedlak et al. 2000b). Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected by IFAT first on day 14 p.i.; all chickens were serologically positive on days 21 and 28 p.i. No clinical symptoms were recorded. Parasite *T. gondii* was isolated from heart, muscle, spleen and brain. In one case, no *T. gondii* was isolated from any organ. Based

The second experimental study was conducted on domestic ducks (Bartova et al. 2004). Ducks were inoculated *per os* with different doses of *T. gondii* oocysts. Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected in all ducks by IFAT on day 7 p.i. Antibody titres were found in the range of 20–640 depending on the infectious dose of the oocysts. From day 14 p.i., antibody titres increased to 80–20 480. Bioassay in mice revealed *T. gondii* in the breast and leg muscles, heart, brain, liver and stomach. The infected ducks showed no clinical symptoms, however, the results of bioassay indicate that, compared to gallinaceous birds, domestic ducks are

Clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in cats include fever, anorexia, dyspnea, uveitis, pneumonitis and others. Kittens can develop acute toxoplasmosis and die from it. The seropositivity increases with the age of cat, indicating postnatal transmission of infection. *T. gondii* antibodies have been found worldwide (Dubey 2010). Seroprevalence varies among countries, within different areas of a country and within the same city. In Europe, the highest prevalence 76% was found by SFT in Turkey (Karatepe et al. 2008), while the lowest 17% in Israel by ELISA (Salant and Spira 2004). In the Czech Republic, we found 44% prevalence by IFAT. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 17% – 91% prevalence was found by SFT, CFT and MPA. During the last 20 years, there is a trend of decreasing seroprevalence espe-

*T. gondii* antibodies have been found in canine sera worldwide. Seroprevalence increases with age indicating postnatal infection, is higher in dogs from rural areas, in dogs housed exclusively outdoors, in dogs eating birds, small mammals, meat, viscera and home-cooked meals (Lopes et al. 2011b). In Europe, the highest prevalence 75% was found by SFT in Turkey (Aktas et al. 1998), while the lowest 5% in Sweden by ELISA (Lunden et al. 2002). In the Czech Republic, we found 26% prevalence by IFAT. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 4% – 58% prevalence was found by SFT or CFT. The lower prevalence is

*T. gondii* has been recognized as one of the main cause of infective ovine abortion in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States. In the Czech

on this experiment chickens seems highly resistant to *T. gondii* infection.

*T. gondii* antibodies have been found in goats worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, the highest prevalence 91% was found by LAT in Netherland (McSporran et al. 1985), while no antibodies were found in Poland by IFAT (Gerecki et al. 2005). We found 66% prevalence by ELISA. In the Czech Republic, 20% – 86% prevalence was found in past years.

Goats appear to be more susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis compared to other domestic animals, and even adult goats could die of acute toxoplasmosis. In the Czech Republic, toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two Angora goat herds in South Moravia with an outbreak of abortions and births of weak kids; the goats showed also iodine deficiency (Slosarkova et al. 1999). Based on several experimental studies conducted on goats, *T. gondii* was detected in liver, muscles, heart, diaphragm, brain, kidneys and could be excreted in semen and milk. Attention should be paid to raw goat meat and milk if consumed without sufficient temperature treatment.

#### *Cattle*

Serum antibodies to *T. gondii* have been found in cattle in many surveys worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, the highest seroprevalence 92% was found by MAT in Italy (Avezza et al. 1993), while no antibodies were found in Slovak Republic (Pleva et al. 1997) and Turkey (Oz et al. 1995). Actual prevalence rates are likely to be lower than indicated because of problem with the specifity of the tests used. The SFT test gives false or erratic results with cattle sera; on the other hand a titer of 1:100 or higher in the MAT appears to be indicative of *T. gondii*  infection in cattle (Dubey 2010). We found 9.7% seroprevalence by ELISA. In the previous studies in the Czech Republic, 2% – 42% seroprevalence was found by SFT and DT.

There are no confirmed reports of clinical toxoplasmosis in adult cattle. In cattle, *T. gondii* can be transplacentally transmitted resulting in aborts; but it is probably a rare occurrence. There is more important parasite *Neospora caninum* leading to abortion in cattle. In the Czech Republic, there is very low prevalence of *N. caninum* in herds of cattle. The ingestion of beef

or dairy products is not considered important in the epidemiology of *T. gondii* because cattle are not a good host for this parasite. Attempts to isolate *T. gondii* from cattle tissues have been unsuccessful, that is why it does not present risk of infection for humans.

Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 63

We found higher prevalence in water fowls (43% and 14% in goose and ducks, respectively) compared to gallinaceous poultry (0.3% in broiler; turkeys and chickens were negative). In Europe, higher prevalence 36% was found in chicken from Austria by MAT (Dubey et al.

*T. gondii* have been isolated from brain, heart and leg muscles, but not from the pectoral

In majority of game animals, the course of infection is subclinical. However, considering the high prevalence of *T. gondii* infection in game animals, they should be taken into account as

A total of 1618 game animals were tested, including 720 wild ruminants or ruminants living in reservations (377 red deer, 79 roe deer, 14 sika, 143 fallow deer, 105 mouflon and 2 reindeer), 565 wild boars and 333 hares. The animals came from 3 – 11 districts of the Czech

Sera of game animals were tested for *T. gondii* antibodies by an IFAT, using the Sevatest Toxoplasma Antigen IFR (Sevac) and specific conjugates (Table 4). Sera with titer ≥40 were

In a group of game animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were detected in 32% wild ruminants (50% in sika, 45% red deer, 24% roe deer, 17% fallow deer, 9% mouflon, and in one reindeer), 26% wild boars and 20% hares. The results of serological examination including the number of samples tested, the method and cut-off used, the number and percentage of positive samples, titres obtained in positive samples and reference about published data are

Animal Conjugate for IFAT Producer Wild boar anti-swine Ig G Sigma, Praha Hare anti-rabbit Ig G Sigma Aldrich, USA Red deer anti-deer Ig G KPL Inc. Maryland Sika anti-deer Ig G KPL Inc. Maryland Fallow deer anti-deer Ig G KPL Inc. Maryland Roe deer anti-deer Ig G KPL Inc. Maryland Mouflon anti-goat Ig G VMRD, USA Reindeer anti-deer Ig G KPL Inc. Maryland

**Table 4.** Specific conjugates for IFAT and producer used in game animals.

2005), or 20% in turkeys by ELISA in Germany (Koethe et al. 2011).

muscle and liver (Dubey et al. 1993).

*Serological studies* 

Republic (Figure 1).

marked as positive.

IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test

summarized in Table 5.

**3. Toxoplasmosis in game animals** 

the possible source of infection for human.

**3.1. Recent data from the Czech Republic** 

#### *Pigs*

Clinical manifestation of toxoplasmosis in pigs could include diarhea, encephalitis, pneumonitis, necrotic hepatitis and abortion. Surveys based on the presence of *T. gondii* antibodies in blood sera of pigs have been reported worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, *T. gondii* prevalence declined in the last decade especially because of good management system. There is a different sensitivity and specifity of the assays used for serosurveys in the following order MAT, IHA, LAT and ELISA starting with the most sensitive one. Good correlation was obtained between ELISA and MAT. In Europe, the highest prevalence 64% was found by IFAT in Italy (Genchi et al. 1991), while only 1% prevalence was found by the same method used in Austria (Edelhofer 1994). In the Czech Republic, we found 36% prevalence by ELISA. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 0 – 38% prevalence was found by SFT, CFT or MPA.

The higher prevalence is found among pigs from small backyard operations, while the prevalence among pigs from traditional large farms and modern large-scale farms is usually lower. Attention should be paid if pork meat is consumed nearly raw or without sufficient temperature treatment.

#### *Horses*

Horses have been shown to be susceptible to *Toxoplasma* infection (Tassi 2006) however there is no confirmed report of clinical toxoplasmosis. Serum antibodies to *T. gondii* have been found in horses in many surveys worldwide (Dubey 2010). In Europe, the highest prevalence 37% was found by SFT in Turkey (Gazayagci et al. 2011), while the lowest 1% in Sweden by DAT (Jakubek et al. 2006). In the Czech Republic, we found 23% by LAT. In the previous studies from the Czech Republic, 4 – 11% prevalence was found by SFT or CFT.

By reason that equine meat represents an important source of food in many human communities, infected equine meat could represent potential risk of *T. gondii* infection for humans.

#### *Poultry*

In general, there is a different sensitivity of birds to *T. gondii* infection. Owls and other predatory birds and domestic poultry seem to be resistant to *T. gondii* infection, while e.g. rock partridge (*Alectoris graeca*), pigeons and canaries are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis. In Europe, there were some reports of birds (galliformes, columbiformes, psittaciformes and passeriformes) that died due to toxoplasmosis (Dubey 2010). Toxoplasmosis can also lead to drop in egg production and high mortality in embryonated eggs. In the Czech Republic, confirmed clinical toxoplasmosis has not been recorded in birds. Little is known concerning the validity of the serologic tests for the detection of *T. gondii* antibodies in avian sera. It is preferred to use MAT, nevertheless other methods such as SFT, CFT, ELISA and IFAT have been used worldwide.

We found higher prevalence in water fowls (43% and 14% in goose and ducks, respectively) compared to gallinaceous poultry (0.3% in broiler; turkeys and chickens were negative). In Europe, higher prevalence 36% was found in chicken from Austria by MAT (Dubey et al. 2005), or 20% in turkeys by ELISA in Germany (Koethe et al. 2011).

*T. gondii* have been isolated from brain, heart and leg muscles, but not from the pectoral muscle and liver (Dubey et al. 1993).
