Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Sheep Slaughtered in Malekan Slaughterhouse by Modified Agglutination Test (MAT)

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common zoonotic parasites worldwide. Among livestock, sheep have a higher prevalence of T. gondii infection. Toxoplasmosis causes abortion in sheep and has a high economic impact on sheep breeding. Human infection mainly occurs by eating undercooked or raw meat containing tissue cysts. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in the sheep slaughtered at the Malekan slaughterhouse. Of 300 sheep, 63 (21%) were serologically positive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Of 133 male and 167 female sheep, the infection rates were determined as 17.29% and 23.95%, respectively. The sheep were divided into three age groups: 1-2, 2-3, and over three years old, with infection rates of 23.26%, 19.02%, and 26.66%, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the age and sex of sheep with the prevalence of T. gondii. This study shows that sheep are an important source of T. gondii. Since sheep are an important animal to produce livestock production such as meat in the region, it is suggested to consume meat after it is fully cooked to prevent and reduce infection. It is recommended that more studies should be conducted to compare the results obtained with the method used in this study with other serological and molecular methods.