Blood was obtained from pigs raised for slaughter and tested for Toxoplasma antibodies by using latex agglutination and indirect immunofluorescence testing, with confirmation by immunoblotting. None of the slaughter pigs (n = 621) from conventional farms (n = 30) were positive, whereas 38 (2.9%) of 1295 animals from animal-friendly systems tested positive (n = 33 farms; 13 [39%] farms positive).
Concluded was that conventionally (indoors) raised pigs are free from Toxoplasma infection, and animal-friendly production systems may lead to a reemergence of Toxoplasma infections, although many of these farms remain Toxoplasma free. Slaughterhouse monitoring of pigs from animal-friendly production systems combined with on-farm prevention strategies should be applied to ensure safety for consumers of the meat products obtained from these animals.
From the Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University Research Center, Lelystad, The Netherlands; the Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Research Institute Maastricht, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands; and the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
IOVS
December 21, 2004
Original web page at IOVS
