SEROPREVALENCE OF ANTI-TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN THE MOST CONSUMED LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY IN GAZA – PALESTINE

It is commonly established that warm blooded animals are extremely vulnerable to the infectious coccidian parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii can be transmitted poultry and livestock through ingestion of oocyst (fecal-oral), placenta (congenital toxoplasmosis) in livestock. Cattle, sheep, rabbits some most consumed Palestine. As for poultry, backyard chicken, caged turkeys birds. The aim present study detect seroprevalence Anti-T. antibodies (IgG/IgM) among frequently which collected from farms slaughterhouses Gaza, For this specific study, blood samples 213 cattle, 100 99 were collected. On other hand, 50 each type mentioned above also criteria collection based on a quick survey was performed animal breeders owners area, under guidance colleagues Palestinian Ministry Agriculture (veterinary department), as well with support documented references targeted groups suitable meat production regardless age gender. analyzed use ELISA technique Rapid Cassette Test. results showed high 64.00 % 13.14% cattle. chicken 26.00% 2.00%, respectively. However, no detected serum turkeys.