Status of Toxoplasmosis in the Backyard Poultry of Pakistan

Toxoplasmosis is one among the most important zoonotic diseases with a worldwide geographical distribution. All warm blooded animals and human beings can be affected by this disease. Man acquires infection with Toxoplasma gondii by consumption of raw and undercooked infected meat of intermediate hosts like poultry birds, or by ingestion of sporulated oocysts via consumption of contaminated food and water. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in free range chickens of district, Faisalabad, Punjab-Pakistan. Overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 36.33% in this area. Area- and sex-wise seroprevalence was detected as non-significant. Age-wise analysis showed highest seroprevalence rate (57.14%) in chickens of age group ranging from 1.5-2 years. The chickens kept along with pet cats showed higher seroprevalence as compared to those kept without pet cats. Feeding and watering patterns showed non-significant impact on the seroprevalence of T. gondii. Results of the present study will be helpful to develop appropriate countermeasures agains Toxoplasmosis in this region.