Spatial distribution and risk factors for sheep toxoplasmosis in Goiás, Brazilian Cerrado Region.

The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Goiás, located in the central-western region of Brazil. Through the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was analyzed in 1000 blood serum samples obtained from sheep in all macro and micro regions of the state of Goiás. Data related to sex, age of the animals, size of the farm, type of farm, water source, veterinary assistance, replacement of the herd, presence of domestic cats, presence of wild cats and presence of other wild animals were obtained at the sampling time. The differences between the seroprevalences obtained in relation to the variables analyzed were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). The odds ratio (OR) values for each risk factor evaluated were statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Positivity for IgG anti-T. gondii was observed (titer ≥64) in 34.3% (343/1000) of the samples, which ranged from 26.9% (31/115) to 44.2% (53/120) and from 21.8 (12/55) to 55.2% (16 / 29), respectively in the analyzed mesoregions and microregions. In all investigated regions of the State of Goiás, serum-reactive animals were detected with the age of the animals, the source of water, the form of replacement of the herd and the presence of domestic cats and wild animals risk factors statistically associated with the occurrence of T. gondii in animals.

Abortions in bovines and Neospora caninum transmission in an embryo transfer center.

Neosporosis is considered to be one of the main causes of abortions in bovines. In this study we evaluated the congenital transmission and occurrence of abortions by Neospora caninum in an embryo transfer center in Neropolis, Goiás. Serological samples from 101 recipients, 61 donors, and 90 calves were analyzed. Among these animals, 32.67% of the recipients, 22.22% of the donors, and 6.66% of the calves were positive for N. caninum. The rate of vertical transmission was 24%. There was a statistically significant difference between antibody titer of the recipient cows and the serological status of the calves. There was no statistically significant relationship between N. caninum serological status and reproductive rates such as estrum repetition and embryo production. Eight abortions occurred, six (75%) in positive females and two (25%) in negative females. These results indicate that neosporosis may be an important cause of failing reproduction and that in embryo transfer centers recipients should be previously examined, and those that are seronegative for Neospora should be chosen to reduce abortion and the birth of seropositive calves.