Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and associated risk factors in dairy cattle in the Eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye.

Abstract

Cattle become infected with Toxoplasma gondii through ingestion of sporulated oocysts present in pasture, feed, and water sources. The primary importance of toxoplasmosis in livestock lies in its zoonotic potential. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in dairy cattle and evaluated associated risk factors, including geographical location, breed, age, reproductive history, and the presence of cats on farms, as well as potential public health risks. A total of 398 dairy cattle were sampled from various herds in Erzurum, located in the Eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye. Blood samples were transported to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions. After centrifugation, serum samples were transferred into Eppendorf tubes and stored frozen until analysis. The presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii was determined using a commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in dairy cattle was 15.3% (61/398). Associations between seropositivity and potential risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The highest seroprevalence was observed in cattle from the Aziziye district (27.8%), particularly among Holstein breeds (25.0%), animals aged 10-16 years (21.9%), and those with 7-8 parities (20.8%). These findings demonstrate the presence of T. gondii seropositivity among dairy cattle in Erzurum, Türkiye, indicating a potential public health risk associated with the consumption of raw dairy and meat products. The implementation of control measures to limit free-roaming cats on farms may help reduce T. gondii transmission and improve overall farm management in the region.