Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep and Goats in Three Counties of Gilan Province, North of Iran the More Humid Climate the Higher Prevalence

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important foodborne pathogens. Toxoplasmosis causes abortion and neonatal loss in livestock and imposes significant losses to farming industry. Prevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats was investigated in three adjacent geographical areas within Gilan province in north of Iran. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 247 sheep and 155 goats in three counties Roudsar with humid subtropical climate and average annual precipitation (AAP) of 1400 mm, Masal with sub-humid climate and AAP of 700 mm, and Roudbar with cold semi-arid steppe climate and AAP of 400 mm. The samples were tested for Toxoplasma antibodies by using Sabin- Feldman Dye Test. Results: The overall prevalence in sheep was significantly higher than goats (P