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Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Animal-Friendly Pig Production Systems

Kijlstra, Aize; Eissen, Okke A.; Cornelissen, Jan; Munniksma, Klaske; Eijck, Ineke and Kortbeek, Titia (2004) Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Animal-Friendly Pig Production Systems. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 45, pp. 3165-3169.

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Document available online at: http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/9/3165


Summary

PURPOSE. Consumption of undercooked pork meat products has been considered a major risk factor for contracting toxoplasmosis in humans. Indoor farming and improved hygiene have drastically reduced Toxoplasma infections in pigs over the past decades. Whether introduction of animal-friendly production systems will lead to a reemergence of Toxoplasma infections in pigs is not yet known. Investigating this possibility was the purpose of this study.
METHODS. Blood was obtained from pigs raised for slaughter and tested for Toxoplasma antibodies by using latex agglutination and indirect immunofluorescence testing, with confirmation by immunoblotting.
RESULTS. None of the slaughter pigs (n = 621) from conventional farms (n = 30) were positive, whereas 38 (2.9%) of 1295 animals from animal-friendly systems tested positive (n = 33 farms; 13 [39%] farms positive).
CONCLUSIONS. The following conclusions may be derived from this study: Conventionally (indoors) raised pigs are free from Toxoplasma infection, and (2) animal-friendly production systems may lead to a reemergence of Toxoplasma infections, although many of these farms remain Toxoplasma free. Slaughterhouse monitoring of pigs from animal-friendly production systems combined with on-farm prevention strategies should be applied to ensure safety for consumers of the meat products obtained from these animals.


EPrint Type:Journal paper
Keywords:Toxoplasma gondii food safety pigs toxoplasmosis
Subjects: Food systems > Food security, food quality and human health
Animal husbandry > Production systems > Pigs
Research affiliation: Netherlands > Wageningen University & Research (WUR) > Animal Sciences Group ASG
Deposited By: Kijlstra, Prof. Dr. Aize
ID Code:10724
Deposited On:16 Apr 2007
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:35
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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