Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Ovine Toxoplasmosis: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in Iraq.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic parasite with significant public health and veterinary importance. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and October 2024 to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in sheep from Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq. A total of 507 serum samples from 30 herds were tested using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The overall seroprevalence was 38.1% (95% CI: 34.0-42.4), with 83.3% of herds having at least one seropositive animal. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between seropositivity and flock size, grazing system, water source, cat presence, and season. Larger flocks, open grazing, untreated water, presence of cats, and spring season were all strongly linked to higher prevalence. In contrast, host age and sex were not significant predictors. These findings highlight the importance of flock-level and environmental factors in disease transmission. Practical control measures such as improved water management, limiting cat access, and farmer education are essential to reduce infection risk.