Risk factors associated to Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy farms in Hamedan suburb, Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic food-borne disease with global distribution. The principal aim of this research was to detect the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle, dogs and cats in dairy farms with high incidence of abortion, as well as to identify associated risk factors in Hamedan, Iran. A number of four large dairy farms with high history of abortion were selected and evaluated for risk factors associated to T. gondii infection. Blood samples were taken from 400 of pregnant cattle, 85 of dogs and 35 of cats (all of the dogs and cats population from interring and around of farms were sampled). The samples were examined for presence of antibodies to T. gondii infection using ELISA technique. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection were detected 13% in cattle, 47.1% in dogs and 40% in cats. With regard to cattle seropositivity and associated risk factors, significant differences were found regarding abortion history (P = 0.026), race (P = 0.035), rodents’ presence in farm (P = 0.006) and age groups (P = 0.011). Also, there were no significant differences between seroprevalence rate and stage of gestation (P = 0.998), type of breeding service (P = 0.561), stillbirth history (P = 0.302), dog contact with herd (P = 0.302) as well as poultry presence in the farm (P = 0.302). In both dogs and cats, the seroprevalence rate for females was higher than males (P < 0.05); also, no significant differences were seen in age groups (P > 0.05). This is the comprehensive evaluation of risk factors associated to toxoplasmosis in Iranian dairy farms at the first time. Our finding indicated that toxoplasmosis may partly be responsible for transmission to humans and also abortion and economic losses in dairy farms. Improve the sanitary strategies for reducing the risk factors in animals’ husbandry and launching control programs are recommended.