Serology of experimental toxoplasmosis in pregnant ewes and their foetuses

Ewes were inoculated orally with 1500 Toxoplasma gondii oocysts at 6 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions occurred at 26 to 55 days after inoculation, and maternal serum T. gondii antibody titres did not peak/plateau until 20 to 103 days after inoculation, usually after abortion occurred. Serums or body fluids from unautolysed foetuses aborted at 35 days or more after maternal inoculation, contained significant levels of Toxoplasma antibodies as determined by the indirect fluorescent-antibody test. It was considered that foetal serology was a quick and efficient method of diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in sheep on a flock basis.