The seroprevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis in fars province, Southern Iran

Abstract

This study determines the prevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis in Shiraz, Southern Iran. From April 2004 to May 2005, serum samples of 603 sheep were randomly collected in 18 Cities of Fars Province, Southern Iran and tested for toxoplasmosis using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Technique (IFAT). The prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 26.5%, while the rate of seropositivities in 1/100, 1/200, 1/400 and 1/800 dilutions were 17.7, 2.8, 4.3 and 1.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence was in Abadeh (56.7%) and Nourabad (44.3%) cities and the lowest was determined Arsanjan (4.2%) whereas no infection was determined in Fasa. Considering the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in our region, control measures need to be undertaken to prevent transmission of the infection to other animals and man by health and veterinary authorities. Therefore, it seems that standardization of techniques, hygienic standards in sheep breeding especially in cities with more migrating domestic animals and environmental health education for veterinary personnel are required to prevent human infection. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.