Serological survey on toxoplasmosis among slaughtered sheep and goats in Tabouk, Saudi Arabia

Sera from 397 sheep and 290 goats slaughtered at Tabouk Official Abattoir were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG by LAT, IHAT & IFAT. The results showed infection rates 23.4, 41.8 & 52.2% (P < 0.001) in sheep and 19.3, 40.7 & 51.7% (P < 0.001) in goats by the 3 tests respectively. Infection rates were higher in sheep than goats (P > 0.05), relatively nearby in local and imported sheep (P > 0.05), higher in imported goats than local ones (P > 0.05) and higher in female sheep and goats than males (p > 0.05). High titers were in goats than in sheep (P < 0.001). IFAT showed highest sensitivity (100% & 96.7%), specificity (97.1% & 96.1%) and highest diagnostic accuracy (98.5% & 96.9%) in sheep and goats respectively. The IHAT showed high diagnostic accuracy and high applicability. The interpretation of results and recommendations were presented.