Serological study of ovine toxoplasmosis in Colombia: epidemiological study of a field outbreak
Perry, B.D.; Mogollon, J.D.; Grieve, A.S.; de Galvis, A.L.
Veterinary Record 104(11): 231-234
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 473498 Document Number: 146609
Of 455 lambs produced by 373 pregnant ewes and gimmers imported into Colombia from the UK in January 1977, 141 (30%) died at lambing. Most died within 48 hours, some were aborted and some stillborn. Serum samples collected from the whole flock on arrival in Colombia, from 44 ewes that aborted or lost lambs within 48 hours (sampled within two days of lambing and 4 weeks later) and the whole flock 7 months (August) after arrival were tested for toxoplasmosis by direct fluorescence antibody test and by inoculation of mice with tissue homogenates. Eight of the 44 ewes had titres of 1:64 or less and were considered negative. The titres of affected ewes at lambing or 4 weeks later ranged from 1:128 to 1:65 000. The highest geometric mean titres were 1:2720 for affected gimmers and 1:2350 for affected ewes. Titres decreased earlier and to lower levels in ewes compared to gimmers. Toxoplasma were recovered from inoculated mice. Examination for Q fever, chlamydia and bacteria associated with abortion were negative. The possible sources of the infection are discussed.