Toxoplasma gondii in Goats: A Case Report

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic disease agent with the cats as its definitive hosts; it can infect various animals, including sheep, goats, cattle, and birds. Toxoplasma gondii can cause early embryonic death, resorption, fetal death, mummification, abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death depending on the stage of gestation. Implementing preventive measures play a significant role in controlling this disease. Six goats from an 80-goat industrial farm were referred to the veterinary clinic at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz due to incidents of abortion. In this report, after conducting detailed examinations and tests, the presence of Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed as the sole causative agent of abortion. Under the microscope, cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were clearly observed in brain samples from the aborted fetuses. Since this disease is zoonotic, to prevent infection, humans, especially pregnant women, are advised to avoid contact with suspicious animals and refrain from consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products (especially goat milk), raw water, and contaminated water with cysts or parasites, as well as raw seafood.