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Article
Toxoplasma gondii Levels in Swine Operations: Differences Due to Technology Choice and Impact on Costs Production
Economic Staff Paper Series
  • Jeffrey J. Zimmerman, Iowa State University
  • James Kliebenstein, Iowa State University
  • Chun-Hsuan Wang, Iowa State University
  • Vina Diderrich, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
  • Sharon Patton, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
  • Arne Hallam, Iowa State University
  • Eric Bush, Iowa State University
  • Charles Faulkner, Iowa State University
  • Raymond McCord, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
9-1-2000
Number
337
Abstract
Serum samples were collected from 3236 sows and 4712 market hogs in 1995. Sera were collected from sows on 226 farms, while market hog sera was obtained from 282 farms. Herds were randomly selected to participate in the 1995 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) swine survey. Serawere assayed for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the modified direct agglutination test. Herd data and serologic information were used to study the association between T. gondii infection in sows and specific herd characteristics and farm management practices. Overall, 15.1 percent ofsows and 3.2 percent offinishers were positive for toxoplasmosis. Analysis ofthe data showed significant associations between toxoplasmosis in sows or herds and three factors: 1) method of rodent control, 2)type of production facility, and 3) access of cats to production facilities. In particular, seronegativity was associated with the use of bait and/or traps only" for rodent control as compared to the use of cats for rodent control. Thus, use ofcats as a method ofrodent control should be avoided by producers. No regional differences in prevalence were detected and toxoplasmosis in sows was not associated with a reduced level of reproductive performance.
Citation Information
Jeffrey J. Zimmerman, James Kliebenstein, Chun-Hsuan Wang, Vina Diderrich, et al.. "Toxoplasma gondii Levels in Swine Operations: Differences Due to Technology Choice and Impact on Costs Production" (2000)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/arne-hallam/13/