Some investigations into the epidemiology of ovine toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Extract Infection by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in sheep in New Zealand and is recognized as the most common cause of intra-uterine infection leading to abortion and stillbirths (Hartley et al., 1954 Hartley, W. J. , Jebson, J. L. and McFarlane, D . 1954. New Zealand Type II Abortion in ewes. Aust. vet. J., 30: 216–218. [Google Scholar] ; Hartley and Boyes, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, B. W. 1964. Incidence of ovine perinatal mortality in New Zealand with particular reference to intra-uterine infections. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 33–36. [Taylor & Francis Online] [Google Scholar] ). In view of the prevalence of this infection in New Zealand, trials were set up to investigate some aspects of the epidemiology of this perplexing disease.