10723: Cats and Goat Whey Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pigs

Meerburg, B.G.; Van Riel, J.W.; Cornelissen, J.B.; Kijlstra, A. and Mul, M.F. (2006) Cats and Goat Whey Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pigs. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 6(3):pp. 266-274.

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Summary

In organic livestock production systems, farm-management factors are thought to play an important role in the on-farm prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii. Serological results and the results of an HACCP analysis were combined to determine important risk factors for the prevalence of this protozoan parasite. Mathematical analysis demonstrated that feeding goat whey to pigs and the presence of a high number of cats were positively correlated to T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs. Not covering roughage and the farmers' assumption that pigs can come into contact with cat feces also showed a positive relationship. In order to decrease the risk of T. gondii infecting their pigs, farmers should limit the access and number of cats on their farms and refrain from feeding goat whey to their pigs.

Document Language:	English
Keywords:	food safety pigs goats cats whey Toxoplasma gondii toxoplasmosis
Subject Areas:	Food systems > Food security, food quality and human health Animal husbandry > Production systems > Pigs
Research affiliation:	Netherlands > Wageningen University and Research Centre WUR > Animal Sciences Group ASG
Total budget (Euro):	0
Orgprints ID Number:	10723
Contact:	Kijlstra, Prof. Dr. Aize
Deposited On:	16 April 2007
EPrint Type:	Journal paper
Published?:	Published
Online at:	http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/vbz.2006.6.266
Peer Review Status:	Peer-reviewed and accepted

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