Importance of toxoplasmosis in goats: the last decade

Authors: Dubey, Jitender; MURATA, F. - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE); CERQUEIRA-CEZAR, C. - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE); Kwok, Oliver

Submitted to: Research in Veterinary Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2020
Publication Date: 10/1/2020
Citation: Dubey, J.P., Murata, F.H., Cerqueira-Cezar, C.K., Kwok, O.C. 2020. Importance of toxoplasmosis in goats: the last decade. Research in Veterinary Science. 132:292-307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.06.014.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.06.014

Interpretive Summary: Food safety research is of paramount importance for agriculture and the public. Foodborne protozoon infections are a leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, especially for individuals with weak immune systems such as children and HIV patients. USDA research in this area has borne undeniable results – including helping to cut the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii by as much as 50 percent in the United States. The USDA provided the veterinary, clinical, and public health communities an indispensable resource by disseminating up to date scientific information on toxoplasmosis and its prevention. Humans become infected mostly by ingesting food and water contaminated with oocysts or by eating infected under cooked meat. Goats are important for the economy of many countries. The present paper reviews literature on toxoplasmosis in goats for the past decade. Toxoplasmosis causes abortion in goats and the disease can be fatal even in adult goats. This information will support veterinarians, physicians, and federal agencies seeking to advance additional research needed in this area regarding human health.

Technical Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis in goats continues to be of public health and economic concern. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in goats in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty regarding excretion of T. gondii in milk and the ingestion of raw milk as sources of T. gondii infection for humans. Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion and deaths in even in adult goats. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates has revealed genetic diversity in goats in North and South America. The significance of T. gondii isolates in domestic goats usually associated with wildlife in USA is discussed This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.