Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a protozoal parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma gondii can infect cats, dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, birds, and people. Cats are the only animal that can shed Toxoplasma eggs in their feces. Cats become infected by eating other animals that have the parasite in their muscle tissue.

Cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not have any symptoms. Other animals infected with the parasite may suffer from inflammation of the brain, liver or lungs. If an animal is infected during pregnancy, it may cause abortion. If humans with a suppressed immune system are infected with Toxoplasma, they may develop a skin rash, fever, chills, and/or inflammation of the heart, brain or lungs. If a pregnant woman becomes infected the parasite can damage the fetus, possibly causing abortion, birth defects or mental retardation. Infection with Toxoplasma prior to pregnancy does not endanger the fetus.

People acquire Toxoplasmosis by eating raw or undercooked meat, drinking unpasteurized milk from infected animals or by consuming food, water or dust contaminated with cat feces containing Toxoplasma eggs. Once a person is infected with Toxoplasma they develop antibodies against the parasite and cannot be infected again.

Testing for Toxoplasma is possible, but not totally reliable. Simply finding an antibody titer in a cat does not indicate whether the cat is passing eggs in their feces. The best method for controlling Toxoplasmosis is prevention. This means:

• thoroughly cooking meat products

• consuming pasteurized milk

• wear gloves when working in soil outside

• wash fresh vegetables

• discourage your cat from hunting (bell on collar)

• don’t feed your cat raw meat

• clean the litter pan daily and disinfect frequently

Pregnant women should have someone else clean the litter box. It is not necessary for pregnant women to avoid contact with their cat. Due to the fastidious nature of cats, they rarely have fecal material adhered to their fur and pose no direct danger.

Toxoplasmosis can be a serious disease, but can be prevented by exercising the above recommendations. Your cat can remain a happy and healthy part of the family.