Prevalence of antibodies totoxoplasma gondiiin cattle and swine in the Netherlands: Towards an integrated control of livestock production

Abstract

Serological surveys of the prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were carried out amongst swine and cattle in the Netherlands. Data were analysed according to the different categories of animals. The results show very low seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii in finishing pigs (1.8%) and in fattening calves (1.2%). In sows and dairy cattle, respectively, seroprevalences of 30.9% and 27.9% respectively, were found, demonstrating clearly the environmental infection pressure and illustrating the importance of housing and management in establishing low infection rates. Substantially different seroprevalences were found between dairy cattle sampled in the North and in the South of the Netherlands (13.1% and 42.6%, respectively). The infection rates in the samples from finishing pigs, fattening calves, and dairy cattle demonstrate that seroprevalences in individual farms or herds may differ considerably. Investigation of the factors involved can be useful in determining the causes of infection and for developing measures with regard to prevention. The very low seroprevalences in finishing pigs and fattening calves indicate, however, that the production of toxoplasma-free meat may be well within reach in modern husbandry. Since farm animals easily are infected, serological screening of individual farms or herds for the absence of T. gondii infection, as a part of the Integrated Quality Control programme, can be helpful in determining the quality of livestock production and in developing certain standards of hygiene for individual farms.

Cats and Goat Whey Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pigs

“…The number of Dutch slaughter pigs infected with T. gondii decreased rapidly from over 50% seroprevalence in 1969 to 0% seroprevalence in 2001 (Kijlstra et al 2004a), because of intensive farm-management practices whereby the animals were confined indoors (Van Knapen et al 1995). During the last decade, however, consumer demands for farming practices that offer better animal welfare have led to an increase in organic animal production, where pigs have outdoor access and straw bedding, and are fed roughage.…”

Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, Tissue Distribution, and Risk Factors Contributing to T. gondii Burden in Domestic Pigs

“…In the Netherlands, a spectacular drop was seen for the finishers (from 54 to 1.9%; Ref. [72]) and for the seropositive sows (30.9-5.6%; Ref. [41]).…”

“…Indeed, the antibodies facilitate the cytotoxicity by the innate immune cells toward the extracellular parasite, but the intracellular T. gondii can escape from that. The age-dependent increase in seroprevalence in pig farms have been described in numerous studies, showing a higher incidence in adult pigs (19.5%) than in young animals (10.9%) [28], or in breeding sows than in finishers (30.9% and 1.9%, respectively, in the Netherlands [72] and 24.2% and 9.7%, respectively, in Spain [28].…”

Toxoplasma gondii vs radiação ionizante: imunidade humoral e celular em baço e intestino de camundongos isogênicos imunizados com taquizoítos irradiados por Cobalto 60

“…Em outros países também são encontrados altos níveis de infecção como 30,9% em suínos da Holanda ( VAN KNAPEN et al, 1995) e 38,5% em ovinos no Uruguai (FREYRE et al, 1999), o que demonstra a importância do consumo de carne como uma das fontes de contaminação humana, caso não haja cocção adequada do alimento (DUBEY, 1996b). Vários fatores estão envolvidos nas diferenças de positividades entre as espécies e regiões estudadas, mas o principal fator está relacionado com a forma de criação e alimentação fornecida durante a criação dos animais (SUARÉZ-ARANDA et al, 2000).…”

“…Recentemente demonstramos que em animais destinados ao consumo humano no Brasil, 9,6% dos suínos (SUARÉZ-ARANDA et al, 2000) Em outros países também são encontrados altos níveis de infecção como 30,9% em suínos da Holanda ( VAN KNAPEN et al, 1995) e 38,5% em ovinos no…”