Related Experiment Videos
Abortion associated with toxoplasmosis in sheep in Oregon
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Toxoplasmosis caused widespread ovine abortions on an Oregon farm. Diagnosis in a fetus revealed Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in the placenta and cysts in the fetal myocardium, confirming the parasite
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Ovine Reproduction
Background:
- Ovine abortions can significantly impact flock productivity.
- Toxoplasmosis is a known cause of ovine abortion worldwide.
- Identifying the causative agent is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose the cause of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in a sheep flock.
- To characterize the pathological findings associated with ovine fetal toxoplasmosis.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of an ovine fetus and placenta.
- Microscopic identification of *Toxoplasma gondii* stages (tachyzoites and cysts).
Main Results:
- Focal necrosis, cotyledon calcification, and tachyzoites of *Toxoplasma gondii* were observed in the placenta.
- Fetal myocarditis characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration was present.
- Numerous *Toxoplasma gondii* cysts were identified within the fetal myocardium.
Conclusions:
- *Toxoplasma gondii* infection was confirmed as the cause of abortion in this ovine flock.
- The pathological findings are consistent with severe congenital toxoplasmosis.
- This case highlights the diagnostic importance of examining fetal tissues for parasitic cysts and lesions.