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In the event of an outbreak, little can be done to prevent further spread since transmission is via contaminated food or water rather than sheep-to-sheep contact. Since environmental contamination is related to the behaviour of cats, numbers should be limited. Keeping an older, neutered male cat may help ward of other felines: since most cats seroconvert at a young age, adults are unlikely to shed oocysts to contribute to contamination. Rodents and other vermin transmit toxoplasmosis to cats, and so populations should also be controlled. Animals should be prevented from gaining access to feed or bedding.
In the event of an outbreak, little can be done to prevent further spread since transmission is via contaminated food or water rather than sheep-to-sheep contact. Since environmental contamination is related to the behaviour of cats, numbers should be limited. Keeping an older, neutered male cat may help ward of other felines: since most cats seroconvert at a young age, adults are unlikely to shed oocysts to contribute to contamination. Rodents and other vermin transmit toxoplasmosis to cats, and so populations should also be controlled. Animals should be prevented from gaining access to feed or bedding.
Previously, monensin has been given in sheep feed in the lead up to lambning. Although this was shown to reduce perinatal lamb mortality related to ''Toxoplasma'' infection, monensin is no longer licensed for sheep and should not be used.
Previously, monensin has been given in sheep feed in the lead up to lambing. Although this was shown to reduce perinatal lamb mortality related to ''Toxoplasma'' infection, monensin is no longer licensed for sheep and should not be used.
The best method of controlling ovine toxoplasmosis is therefore by vaccination. A live vaccine containing tachyzoites of the avirulent S48 strain is available. These tachyzoites do not cause pathology or form bradyzoites or tissues cysts. A single dose of vaccine is administered intramuscularly at least 3 weeks (and up to four months) prior to mating, from an age of five months. The vaccine is known to protect agains toxoplasmosis for at least two lambing seasons, possible more.
The best method of controlling ovine toxoplasmosis is therefore by vaccination. A live vaccine containing tachyzoites of the avirulent S48 strain is available. These tachyzoites do not cause pathology or form bradyzoites or tissues cysts. A single dose of vaccine is administered intramuscularly at least 3 weeks (and up to four months) prior to mating, from an age of five months. The vaccine is known to protect agains toxoplasmosis for at least two lambing seasons.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==