Survey on Seroprevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies in Cattle in Tabriz (Iran) by IFAT

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease in various species of animals caused by a sporozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease occurs throughout the world including Iran. This disease is a common infection of sheep, goats and it is recognized as one of major infection cause of reproductive failure. This survey was carried out to show the prevalence of this disease in cattle in Tabriz (Iran). 490 sera samples were collected from both native and industrial cattle. The Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) was used to determine the rate of infection. The results of this survey are showed that the overall seroprevalence of antibody of Toxoplasma incattle in Tabriz is 15.91%. There was significant differences in infection to Toxoplasma gondii in the age group of cattle (P<0.05). The prevalence of anti-toxoplasma antibody in cattle in the <1 years old was higher than >1 years old cattle. Also a significant differences was observed between rate of infection and sex in cattle (P<0.0 l). In total the results of this study together with the previously recorded low seroprevalence of antibody to Toxoplasma in cattle in Iran and other countries support the impression that Toxoplasmosis is not widespread cause for abortion and a latent infection in cattle.