Molecular Detection of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> in Chickens and Ruminants: A Study From Kassena‐Nankana Districts, Ghana

<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a zoonotic protozoan that poses serious threats to public health through contaminated animal products. The frequent interactions between inhabitants in the Kassena-Nankana districts and livestock increase the risk of zoonotic infections. However, there is limited information on the circulation of <i>T. gondii</i> within the districts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in livestock species within the Kassena-Nankana districts using a PCR-based diagnostic technique. Dry blood spots collected from February to December 2020 by convenience sampling were screened using PCR amplification of a 529 bp repetitive fragment specific to <i>T. gondii</i>. A total of 374 samples were collected from cattle (26.74%), chicken (26.20%), sheep (25.40%) and goats (21.66%). The overall prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> was 13.9%, with all positives being from chicken samples. No infections were detected in the sampled cattle, sheep or goats. Free-range chickens were more likely to be infected with <i>T. gondii</i> (odds ratios [OR] = 2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43-9.88, <i>p</i> = 0.38). Furthermore, it was observed that chicken from Namolo had a lower risk of infections (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.43, <i>p</i> = 0.006). To reduce the dangers to public health, frequent education, improved poultry management and continuous surveillance within the districts are advised.