Difference between revisions of "Toxoplasmosis - Sheep"

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(Created page with '*Sheep **Mostly asymptomatic **However, if a non-immune ewe is infected during pregnancy the consequences will be serious ***Infection during the first trimester leads to resorpt…')
 
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[[Category:Tissue_Cyst_Forming_Coccidia]][[Category:Sheep]]
 
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Revision as of 22:22, 26 June 2010

  • Sheep
    • Mostly asymptomatic
    • However, if a non-immune ewe is infected during pregnancy the consequences will be serious
      • Infection during the first trimester leads to resorption
    • Infection during the second trimester leads to foetal death and mummification
    • Infection during the last trimester leads to a weak or stillborn lamb
    • Aborted ewes show focal necrotic placentitis with white lesions in the cotyledons and foetal tissue
    • Diagnosis is confirmed by Giemsa and serology of the ewe's blood

Prevention:

  • Clinical outbreaks of toxoplasmosis are sporadic
    • Immunity is acquired before tupping
    • Significant ill-effects are unlikely if immune ewes are infected during pregnancy
    • Not shed from sheep to sheep so predicting outbreaks is difficult
  • Sheep
    • Toxovax vaccine
      • Live, avirulent strain of Toxoplasma
      • Does not form bradyzoites or tissue cysts
      • Killed by host immune system
      • Single dose given 6 weeks before tupping
      • Protects for 2 years
      • Immunity boosted by natural challenge
    • Medicated feed can be given daily during the main risk period
      • 14 weeks before lambing
    • The best method of protection is to prevent cats from contaminating the pasture, lambing sheds and feed stores