**3. Toxoplasmosis in game animals**

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

#### *Serological studies*

62 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

by SFT, CFT or MPA.

temperature treatment.

*Horses* 

humans. *Poultry* 

been used worldwide.

*Pigs* 

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

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

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

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

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 unsuccessful, that is why it does not present risk of infection for humans.

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 the possible source of infection for human.

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 Republic (Figure 1).

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 marked as positive.


IFAT – Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test

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

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 summarized in Table 5.


Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 65

prevalence 8% was found in wild boars from Slovak Republic (Antolova et al. 2007). In the Czech Republic we found 26% prevalence by IFAT. This prevalence was higher compared to

The meat of wild boars may harbour tissue cysts of *T. gondii* and may represent a vehicle of human toxoplasmosis infection. Hejlicek et al. (1997) found tissue cysts in 2% examined wild boars from the Czech Republic, while in the neighbouring Slovakia, *T. gondii* was isolated from 31% of wild boars (Catar 1972). Hunters and their families consuming meat from wild boars should be aware of *T. gondii* infection and advised to take precautions. It is highly recommended to cook meat from wild boars thoroughly before human

There are several reports of *T. gondii* infection in hares from Europe (Dubey 2010). The highest seroprevalence 46% was found in hares from Germany (Frolich et al. 2003); in contrast no antibodies were detected in hares from Sweeden (Gustafsson and Uggla 1994). In the Czech Republic, we found 20% prevalence by IFAT. This result is comparable with 4% – 31% prevalence found in previous studies by SFT or MPA. Based on the results of experimental infection, hares seem to be sensitive to *T. gondii* infection; *T. gondii* was isolated from liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles (Sedlak et al.

*T. gondii* infection in game animals is of epidemiological significance. Deer are strictly herbivores and that is why the high prevalence of *T. gondii* in deer suggests widespread contamination of the environment with *T. gondii* oocysts. In red deer, the highest seroprevalence 32% was found by SFT in Scotland (Williamson and Williams 1980), while the lowest 8% by DAT in Norway (Vikoren et al. 2004). We found relatively high prevalence 45% by IFAT in red deer from the Czech Republic. In roe deer, the highest prevalence 63% was found in Norway and Sweden by SFT (Kapperud 1978), while the lowest 13% prevalence was found in Austria by IHA (Edelhofer et al. 1989). In the Czech Republic, we found 24% prevalence by IFAT that was also in range 14% – 58% prevalence found in our country in previous studies. In fallow deer, we found 17% prevalence that is comparable with 24% prevalence found in Spain by MAT (Gauss et al. 2006). In the Czech Republic, we found 9% prevalence in mouflon that is lower compared to 23% prevalence found in France (Aubert et al. 2010). In case of reindeer, only two animals were examined in the Czech Republic. This is very low number that is why it is not possible to compare it with 1% prevalence found in Norway by

Deer are popular game animals in several countries. The meat of deer may harbour tissue cysts of *T. gondii* and may represent a vehicle of human toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasmosis infection in men was documented after consummation of raw or nearly raw deer

0% – 15% prevalence found by SFT in the previous studies from the Czech Republic.

consumption.

*Hares* 

2000).

*Wild ruminants* 

DAT (Vikoren et al. 20004).

meat in USA (Sacks et al. 1983, Ross et al. 2001).

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

**Table 5.** The result of serological examination of game animals with the sample number, the method and cut-off used, titres in positive samples and references.

#### *Experimental studies*

In the Czech Republic, two experimental studies were conducted on game animals.

The first study was conducted on hares (Sedlak et al. 2000a). Hares were experimentally infected with *T. gondii* oocysts. Most infected hares demonstrated behavioural changes, and all of them died between 8 and 19 days. In all hares, parasitemia was demonstrated on days 7 and 12 p.i. *T. gondii* was isolated from liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles. Based on this result, hares seem to be very sensitive species to *T. gondii* infection.

The second study was conducted on gallinaceous game birds (Sedlak et al. 2000b). Partridges (*Perdix perdix*), chukars (*Alectoris chukar*), wild guineafowl (*Numida meleagris*) and wild turkeys (*Meleagris gallopavo*) were inoculated *per os* with two doses of *T. gondii* oocysts. Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected in the birds by IFAT first on day 7 p.i. Two of five partridges fed 103 oocysts and six of eight partridges fed 105 oocysts died between day 6 and 16 p.i. No clinical symptoms were observed in surviving birds, however enteritis was the most striking lesion in partridges that died. Bioassay in mice revealed *T. gondii* in the brain, liver, spleen, heart and leg muscles of all partridges and chukars. These results indicate that partridges are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis, while chukars, wild guineafowls and turkeys seem to be less susceptible.

#### **3.2. Comparison of data obtained**

#### *Wild boars*

In Europe, the highest seroprevalence 100% was found in wild boars from Portugal (Lopes et al. 2011b) or 44% in wild boars from Spain (Closa-Sebastia et al. 2011); while the lowest prevalence 8% was found in wild boars from Slovak Republic (Antolova et al. 2007). In the Czech Republic we found 26% prevalence by IFAT. This prevalence was higher compared to 0% – 15% prevalence found by SFT in the previous studies from the Czech Republic.

The meat of wild boars may harbour tissue cysts of *T. gondii* and may represent a vehicle of human toxoplasmosis infection. Hejlicek et al. (1997) found tissue cysts in 2% examined wild boars from the Czech Republic, while in the neighbouring Slovakia, *T. gondii* was isolated from 31% of wild boars (Catar 1972). Hunters and their families consuming meat from wild boars should be aware of *T. gondii* infection and advised to take precautions. It is highly recommended to cook meat from wild boars thoroughly before human consumption.

#### *Hares*

64 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

Wild ruminants

Agglutination Test

*Experimental studies* 

*gondii* infection.

*Wild boars* 

turkeys seem to be less susceptible.

**3.2. Comparison of data obtained** 

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

Wild boar 565 148 26 IFAT (40) 40 – 1280 Bartova et al. 2006 Hares 333 71 20 IFAT (40) 40 – 640 Bartova et al. 2010b

Red deer 377 169 45 IFAT (40) 40 – 640 Bartova et al. 2007 Roe deer 79 19 24 IFAT (40) 40 – 160 Bartova et al. 2008 Sika 14 7 50 IFAT (40) 80 – 320 Bartova et al. 2009 Fallow deer 143 24 17 IFAT (40) 40 – 160 Bartova et al. 2010 Mouflon 105 9 9 IFAT (40) 40 – 320 Bartova et al. 2011 Reindeer 2 1 IFAT (40) 80 Bartova et al. 2012

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

In the Czech Republic, two experimental studies were conducted on game animals.

and cut-off used, titres in positive samples and references.

**Table 5.** The result of serological examination of game animals with the sample number, the method

The first study was conducted on hares (Sedlak et al. 2000a). Hares were experimentally infected with *T. gondii* oocysts. Most infected hares demonstrated behavioural changes, and all of them died between 8 and 19 days. In all hares, parasitemia was demonstrated on days 7 and 12 p.i. *T. gondii* was isolated from liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles. Based on this result, hares seem to be very sensitive species to *T.* 

The second study was conducted on gallinaceous game birds (Sedlak et al. 2000b). Partridges (*Perdix perdix*), chukars (*Alectoris chukar*), wild guineafowl (*Numida meleagris*) and wild turkeys (*Meleagris gallopavo*) were inoculated *per os* with two doses of *T. gondii* oocysts. Antibodies to *T. gondii* were detected in the birds by IFAT first on day 7 p.i. Two of five partridges fed 103 oocysts and six of eight partridges fed 105 oocysts died between day 6 and 16 p.i. No clinical symptoms were observed in surviving birds, however enteritis was the most striking lesion in partridges that died. Bioassay in mice revealed *T. gondii* in the brain, liver, spleen, heart and leg muscles of all partridges and chukars. These results indicate that partridges are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis, while chukars, wild guineafowls and

In Europe, the highest seroprevalence 100% was found in wild boars from Portugal (Lopes et al. 2011b) or 44% in wild boars from Spain (Closa-Sebastia et al. 2011); while the lowest There are several reports of *T. gondii* infection in hares from Europe (Dubey 2010). The highest seroprevalence 46% was found in hares from Germany (Frolich et al. 2003); in contrast no antibodies were detected in hares from Sweeden (Gustafsson and Uggla 1994). In the Czech Republic, we found 20% prevalence by IFAT. This result is comparable with 4% – 31% prevalence found in previous studies by SFT or MPA. Based on the results of experimental infection, hares seem to be sensitive to *T. gondii* infection; *T. gondii* was isolated from liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles (Sedlak et al. 2000).

#### *Wild ruminants*

*T. gondii* infection in game animals is of epidemiological significance. Deer are strictly herbivores and that is why the high prevalence of *T. gondii* in deer suggests widespread contamination of the environment with *T. gondii* oocysts. In red deer, the highest seroprevalence 32% was found by SFT in Scotland (Williamson and Williams 1980), while the lowest 8% by DAT in Norway (Vikoren et al. 2004). We found relatively high prevalence 45% by IFAT in red deer from the Czech Republic. In roe deer, the highest prevalence 63% was found in Norway and Sweden by SFT (Kapperud 1978), while the lowest 13% prevalence was found in Austria by IHA (Edelhofer et al. 1989). In the Czech Republic, we found 24% prevalence by IFAT that was also in range 14% – 58% prevalence found in our country in previous studies. In fallow deer, we found 17% prevalence that is comparable with 24% prevalence found in Spain by MAT (Gauss et al. 2006). In the Czech Republic, we found 9% prevalence in mouflon that is lower compared to 23% prevalence found in France (Aubert et al. 2010). In case of reindeer, only two animals were examined in the Czech Republic. This is very low number that is why it is not possible to compare it with 1% prevalence found in Norway by DAT (Vikoren et al. 20004).

Deer are popular game animals in several countries. The meat of deer may harbour tissue cysts of *T. gondii* and may represent a vehicle of human toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasmosis infection in men was documented after consummation of raw or nearly raw deer meat in USA (Sacks et al. 1983, Ross et al. 2001).

### **4. Toxoplasmosis in zoo animals**

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

#### *Serological studies*

In a group of zoo animals, 556 animals belonging to 114 species were tested (5 species of primates, 28 species of carnivores, 8 species of perissodactyla and 73 species of artiodactyla). The animals came from 12 zoo and 4 small private exotic centres in the Czech Republic.

Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 67

Positive %

in Eurasian wolf (*Canis l. lupus*), Maned wolf (*Chrysocyon brachyurus*) and Sumatran tiger (*Panthera t. sumatrae*). The highest titre 40960 was found in Pallas´s cat (*Otocolobus manul*).

The results of serological examination of zoo animals are summarized in Table 7.

Order and Family n *T. gondii* 

 Hyaenidae 3 3 Mustelidae 2 2 Otariidae 2 0

Viveridae 2 2

**4.2. Experimental studies and cases of clinical toxoplasmosis** 

**Table 7.** The result of serological examination of zoo animals

**Perissodactyla** 

**Primates** 22 10 45 Cercopithecidae 11 2 18 Hominidae 11 8 73 **Carnivora** 87 78 90 Canidae 32 28 88 Felidae 41 38 93

Ursidae 5 5 100

 Equidae 46 15 33 **Artiodactyla** 401 90 22 Bovidae 265 53 20 Cameliae 19 5 26 Cervidae 110 30 27 Suidae 7 2 29

In the Czech Republic, experimental infection was conducted on budgerigars (*Melopsittacus undulatus*) that were orally inoculated with *T. gondii* oocysts with different doses (Kajerova et al. 2003). *T. gondii* antibodies were found by LAT in all birds. The birds showed no apparent signs of disease. *T. gondii* was isolated by bioassay in mice from all birds fed 103 or

Cases of clinical toxoplasmosis in the Czech Republic were recorded in nilgais (*Boselaphus tragocamelus*) and saiga antelope (*Saiga tatarica*) (Sedlak et al. 2004). Three captive female nilgais aborted two fetuses and two of their newborn calves died within two days of birth. Parasite *T. gondii* was demonstrated in the brains and livers of both fetuses and in one of the two neonates by single-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with TGR1E and by seminested PCR with B1 gene. Retrospectively, antibodies titers ≥640 were found by IFAT in the sera of all three female nilgais and in one male nilgai used to breed them. Fatal toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in one captive adult female saiga antelope. Tissues cysts of *T. gondii* were found in the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, and intestine of saiga antelope. Toxoplasmosis was

more oocysts. The results show that budgerigars are resistant to *T. gondii* infection.

Sera of zoo animals were tested for *T. gondii* antibodies by an IFAT, using the Sevatest Toxoplasma Antigen IFR (Sevac) and specific conjugates (Table 6). Sera with titer **≥**40 were marked as positive.


**Table 6.** Specific conjugates for Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test and their producer used in zoo animals.

In a group of zoo animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were detected in 193 of 556 (35%) animals, representing 72 of 114 species tested (Sedlak and Bartova, 2006a). According to order, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 90% carnivorous, 45% primates, 33% perissodactyles and 22% artiodactyles. According to families, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in ursidae (100%), felidae (93%), canidae (88%), hominidae (73%), equidae (33%), suidae (29%), cervidae (27%), camelidae (26%), bovidae (20%), cercopithecidae (18%) and in 3 animals of hyeenidae, 2 animals of mustelidae and 2 animals of viveridae. The highest prevalence 100% was found in Eurasian wolf (*Canis l. lupus*), Maned wolf (*Chrysocyon brachyurus*) and Sumatran tiger (*Panthera t. sumatrae*). The highest titre 40960 was found in Pallas´s cat (*Otocolobus manul*). The results of serological examination of zoo animals are summarized in Table 7.


**Table 7.** The result of serological examination of zoo animals

66 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

*Serological studies* 

marked as positive.

animals.

**4. Toxoplasmosis in zoo animals** 

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

In a group of zoo animals, 556 animals belonging to 114 species were tested (5 species of primates, 28 species of carnivores, 8 species of perissodactyla and 73 species of artiodactyla). The animals came from 12 zoo and 4 small private exotic centres in the Czech Republic.

Sera of zoo animals were tested for *T. gondii* antibodies by an IFAT, using the Sevatest Toxoplasma Antigen IFR (Sevac) and specific conjugates (Table 6). Sera with titer **≥**40 were

Primates Cercopithecidae anti-monkey IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Hominidae anti-human IgG Sevapharma, Praha Carnivora Canidae anti-dog IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Felidae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Hyaenidae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Mustelidae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Otariidae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Ursidae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Viveridae anti-cat IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha Perissodactyla Equidae anti-horse IgG VMRD, Pullman, USA Artiodactyla Bovidae anti-bovine IgG, anti-goat IgG VMRD, Pullman, USA Cameliae anti-llama IgG VMRD, Pullman, USA Cervidae anti-deer IgG KPL, Gaithersburg, Maryland Suidae anti-swine IgG Sigma-Aldrich s.r.o., Praha

**Table 6.** Specific conjugates for Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test and their producer used in zoo

In a group of zoo animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were detected in 193 of 556 (35%) animals, representing 72 of 114 species tested (Sedlak and Bartova, 2006a). According to order, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 90% carnivorous, 45% primates, 33% perissodactyles and 22% artiodactyles. According to families, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in ursidae (100%), felidae (93%), canidae (88%), hominidae (73%), equidae (33%), suidae (29%), cervidae (27%), camelidae (26%), bovidae (20%), cercopithecidae (18%) and in 3 animals of hyeenidae, 2 animals of mustelidae and 2 animals of viveridae. The highest prevalence 100% was found

Conjugate for IFAT Producer of conjugate

Order and family Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT)

#### **4.2. Experimental studies and cases of clinical toxoplasmosis**

In the Czech Republic, experimental infection was conducted on budgerigars (*Melopsittacus undulatus*) that were orally inoculated with *T. gondii* oocysts with different doses (Kajerova et al. 2003). *T. gondii* antibodies were found by LAT in all birds. The birds showed no apparent signs of disease. *T. gondii* was isolated by bioassay in mice from all birds fed 103 or more oocysts. The results show that budgerigars are resistant to *T. gondii* infection.

Cases of clinical toxoplasmosis in the Czech Republic were recorded in nilgais (*Boselaphus tragocamelus*) and saiga antelope (*Saiga tatarica*) (Sedlak et al. 2004). Three captive female nilgais aborted two fetuses and two of their newborn calves died within two days of birth. Parasite *T. gondii* was demonstrated in the brains and livers of both fetuses and in one of the two neonates by single-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with TGR1E and by seminested PCR with B1 gene. Retrospectively, antibodies titers ≥640 were found by IFAT in the sera of all three female nilgais and in one male nilgai used to breed them. Fatal toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in one captive adult female saiga antelope. Tissues cysts of *T. gondii* were found in the liver, lung, spleen, kidney, and intestine of saiga antelope. Toxoplasmosis was confirmed also by PCR with TGR1E and immunohistochemically. Toxoplasmic hepatitis and pneumonia were considered to be a primary cause of death.

Toxoplasmosis in Animals in the Czech Republic – The Last 10 Years 69

*Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology,* 

*Department of Virology and Serology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Prague, Czech Republic* 

The results obtained in last 10 years were supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Grant No. MSM6215712402). We would like thank to R. Vodička, J. Váhala and F. Treml for their assistance in the collection of the serum samples and thank to students (V. Říhová, Z. Satková, H. Michnová, M. Syrová, M. Šíblová, H.

[1] Aktas M, Babur C, Karaer Z, Dumanli N, Koroglu E (1998) Seroprevalence of Toxoplas-

[2] Antolova D, Reiterova K, Dubinsky P (2007) Seroprevalence of *Toxoplasma gondii* in Wild

[4] Aubert D, Ajzenberg D, Richomme C, Gilot-Fromont E, Terrier ME, Gevigney C, Game Y, Maillard D, Gibert P, Darde ML, Villena I (2010) Molecular and Biological Character-

[7] Bartova E, Sedlak K (2011) Seroprevalence of *Toxoplasma gondii* and *Neospora caninum* in

[8] Bartova E, Sedlak K, Literak I (2006) Prevalence of *Toxoplasma gondii* and *Neospora cani-*

[9] Bartova E, Sedlak K, Literak I (2009a) Serologic Survey for Toxoplasmosis in Domestic

[10] Bartova E, Sedlak K, Literak I (2009b) Presence of *Toxoplasma gondii* and *Neospora cani-*

[11] Bartova E, Sedlak K, Literak I (2012) *Neospora caninum* and *Toxoplasma gondii* Antibodies

*num* Antibodies in Wild Boars in the Czech Republic. Vet. par. 142: 150-153.

Slaughtered Pigs in the Czech Republic. Parasitology 138: 1369-1371.

*num* Antibodies in Sheep in the Czech Republic. Vet. par. 161: 131-132.

in Goats in the Czech Republic. Acta vet. med (Czech) 57 (3): 111-114.

Birds from the Czech Republic. Avian pathol. 38: 317-320.

istics of *Toxoplasma gondii* Isolates from Wildlife in France. Vet. par. 171: 346-349. [5] Avezza F, Greppi G, Agosti M, Belloli A, Faverzani S (1993) Bovine Toxoplasmosis: the Results of Sero-Epidemiologic Study (in French). Att. soc. ital. buiatria. 25: 621-624. [6] Bartova E, Dvorakova H, Barta J, Sedlak K, Literak I (2004) Susceptibility of the Domestic Duck (*Anas platyrhynchos*) to Experimental Infection with *Toxoplasma gondii* Oocysts.

Boars (*Sus scrofa*) in the Slovak Republic. Ann. agric. environ. med. 14: 71-73. [3] Arnaudov D, Kozojed V, Jira J, Stourac L (1976) Imunoepizootic Study of Ovine Toxo-

Říhová, A. Šedivá, J. Drastíková) for their assistance with serological examinations.

mosis on Stray Dogs in Elazig. Vet. bil. dergisi. 14: 47-50.

plasmosis (in Czech). Vet. med. 21: 375-384.

Avian pathol. 33: 153-157.

*University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic* 

**Author details** 

Eva Bartova

Kamil Sedlak

**Acknowledgement** 

**6. References** 

The other cases of fatal toxoplasmosis were recorded in year 2004 in seven Pallas cats in several zoos in the Czech Republic (Sedlak and Vodicka 2005).

#### **4.3. Comparison of data obtained**

There are many reports on toxoplasmosis in zoo animals. Marsupials, New World monkeys, hares and some small ruminants belong to the most sensitive to clinic toxoplasmosis. Fatal toxoplasmosis was also recorded e.g. in captive dik-dik and Pallas cats from zoo in USA (Riemann et al. 1974; Dubey et al. 2002), in lions from a zoo in Africa (Ocholi et al. 1989) and in a Siberian tiger from a zoo in Belgium (Dorny et al. 1989). In the Czech Republic, fatal toxoplasmosis was recorded in saiga and nilgais antelopes from Prague and Chomutov zoos (Sedlak et al. 2004) and in Pallas cats (Sedlak and Vodicka 2005).

In our study, antibodies to *T. gondii* were found in 90% carnivora, 45% of primates, 33% perissodactyla and 22% artiodactyla. When compared to other similar study concerning zoo animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 47% carnivora, 25% artiodactyla and 23% primates (Gorman et al. 1986). We found 93% prevalence in felids; that is higher when compared with 32%, 64.9% or 75.8% prevalence found in felids from zoo in California (Riemann et al. 1974), Brazil (Silva et al. 2001) and Florida (Lappin et al. 1991), respectively.

The potential source of *T. gondii* infection for carnivores is meat contaminated with *T. gondii* tissue cysts; herbivores can be infected by food contaminated with *T. gondii* oocysts and omnivorous animals by both ways. To prevent spreading of *T. gondii* infection among zoo animals, cats, including all wild felids should be housed in buildings separated from other animals, particularly the most sensitive marsupials and New World monkeys. There must be protection against free access of domestic cats to sources of food and water or into the buildings with animals, especially those that are the most sensitive to toxoplasmosis. Feline faeces should be removed daily to prevent sporulation of oocysts.

#### **5. Further research**

Further work should focus on serological studies in other animal groups that are neglected but may represent a risk of infection for humans in case of consumption of their meat or other products. Such animals include, for example, rabbits, ostriches, pigeons, pheasants and mallard ducks. In addition, rodents, wild birds and wild carnivores (foxes, marten and others) may play an important part in the circulation of *T. gondii* infection in nature and thus represent a risk of infection for wildlife, domestic animals and human people alike. Serological studies should be supplemented with an evaluation of the infection risk factors and with the use of molecular methods to detect *T. gondii* in animal products, as well as to characterize *T. gondii* genotypes circulating in animal populations in the Czech Republic.

## **Author details**

#### Eva Bartova

68 Toxoplasmosis – Recent Advances

respectively.

**5. Further research** 

in the Czech Republic.

**4.3. Comparison of data obtained** 

confirmed also by PCR with TGR1E and immunohistochemically. Toxoplasmic hepatitis and

The other cases of fatal toxoplasmosis were recorded in year 2004 in seven Pallas cats in

There are many reports on toxoplasmosis in zoo animals. Marsupials, New World monkeys, hares and some small ruminants belong to the most sensitive to clinic toxoplasmosis. Fatal toxoplasmosis was also recorded e.g. in captive dik-dik and Pallas cats from zoo in USA (Riemann et al. 1974; Dubey et al. 2002), in lions from a zoo in Africa (Ocholi et al. 1989) and in a Siberian tiger from a zoo in Belgium (Dorny et al. 1989). In the Czech Republic, fatal toxoplasmosis was recorded in saiga and nilgais antelopes from Prague and Chomutov zoos

In our study, antibodies to *T. gondii* were found in 90% carnivora, 45% of primates, 33% perissodactyla and 22% artiodactyla. When compared to other similar study concerning zoo animals, *T. gondii* antibodies were found in 47% carnivora, 25% artiodactyla and 23% primates (Gorman et al. 1986). We found 93% prevalence in felids; that is higher when compared with 32%, 64.9% or 75.8% prevalence found in felids from zoo in California (Riemann et al. 1974), Brazil (Silva et al. 2001) and Florida (Lappin et al. 1991),

The potential source of *T. gondii* infection for carnivores is meat contaminated with *T. gondii* tissue cysts; herbivores can be infected by food contaminated with *T. gondii* oocysts and omnivorous animals by both ways. To prevent spreading of *T. gondii* infection among zoo animals, cats, including all wild felids should be housed in buildings separated from other animals, particularly the most sensitive marsupials and New World monkeys. There must be protection against free access of domestic cats to sources of food and water or into the buildings with animals, especially those that are the most sensitive to toxoplasmosis. Feline

Further work should focus on serological studies in other animal groups that are neglected but may represent a risk of infection for humans in case of consumption of their meat or other products. Such animals include, for example, rabbits, ostriches, pigeons, pheasants and mallard ducks. In addition, rodents, wild birds and wild carnivores (foxes, marten and others) may play an important part in the circulation of *T. gondii* infection in nature and thus represent a risk of infection for wildlife, domestic animals and human people alike. Serological studies should be supplemented with an evaluation of the infection risk factors and with the use of molecular methods to detect *T. gondii* in animal products, as well as to characterize *T. gondii* genotypes circulating in animal populations

pneumonia were considered to be a primary cause of death.

several zoos in the Czech Republic (Sedlak and Vodicka 2005).

(Sedlak et al. 2004) and in Pallas cats (Sedlak and Vodicka 2005).

faeces should be removed daily to prevent sporulation of oocysts.

*Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic* 

#### Kamil Sedlak

*Department of Virology and Serology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Prague, Czech Republic* 
