Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Small Ruminants in Northeastern Portugal

Abstract

Simple Summary Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can infect sheep and goats and is relevant to animal production and food safety. Information on its occurrence in sheep and goat farms in northeastern Portugal is limited. This study examined blood samples from 2678 animals belonging to 149 flocks and collected information on animal characteristics and farm practices. Antibodies indicating prior exposure to the parasite were detected in 21.6% of the animals, and flocks containing at least one antibody-positive animal were identified in every municipality studied. Sheep, adult animals, non-native breeds, animals not kept permanently indoors, and animals from farms where cats were present had significantly higher odds of seropositivity. Other management- and farmer-related characteristics were not significantly associated with seropositivity after adjustment for the remaining variables. These findings indicate that T. gondii exposure is widespread throughout the study area and that seropositivity is associated with both animal- and farm-level characteristics. The findings provide evidence to support preventive measures, including protecting feed and water from contamination, limiting cat access to livestock and feed-storage areas, and improving farm hygiene and awareness, thereby benefiting animal health, environmental protection, and food safety.