Experimental studies on Toxoplasma gondii in the main livestock species (GP/EFSA/BIOHAZ/2013/01) Final report

Abstract

After extensive review of the literature, experimental studies were performed in the main livestock species (cattle, small ruminants, pigs, horses and poultry) to address the main knowledge gaps considering (1) the relationship between detection of antibodies and presence of T. gondii, (2) the anatomical distribution of tissue cysts, and (3) on-farm risk factors for infection. In slaughterhouse studies in cattle and horses, a lack of concordance between detection of antibodies by MAT and detection of T. gondii in tissues by mouse bioassay or MC-PCR was demonstrated. Positive mouse bioassay results were obtained in cattle and horses, indicating a potential infection risk for consumers.