Serological survey and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle from Amazonas, Brazil

Beef cattle farming in the Amazon region has expanded rapidly, but information on herd health is still scanty. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle, its spatial distribution and the risk factors associated with the infection in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 1073 animals on 47 farms, located in 33 municipalities in the four state subpopulations. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall prevalence was 30.9 % (332/1073), and seropositive animals were identified at 93.6 % farms (44/47). All the subpopulations studied in the state of Amazonas had cattle herds seropositive for T. gondii, with some areas showing higher prevalence rates. The risk factors identified in the logistic regression were number of animals (OR = 4.43) and presence of domestic cats (OR = 1.98). It is advisable to correct identified risk factors, particularly insofar as the definitive hosts of T. gondii are concerned. Attention should also focus on beef consumption, given the prevalence of T. gondii infection among cattle and the widespread clandestine slaughtering that occurs in this state.