Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in raptors from France

J Wildl Dis. 2008 Jan;44(1):172-3. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-44.1.172.

Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence or importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in raptors. Sera from Eurasian Buzzards (Buteo buteo, n=14), Tawny Owls (Strix aluco, n=12), Barn Owls (Tyto alba, n=18), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus, n=1), and Common Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus, n=8) were examined for agglutinating antibodies using the modified agglutination test at 1:25 dilution. Antibodies were not detected in Common Kestrels and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk but were detected in 11 Eurasian Buzzards (79%), six Tawny Owls (50%), and two Barn Owls (11%). Toxoplasma gondii, genotype II, was isolated from the brain of an adult Tawny Owl.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Bird Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Falconiformes / parasitology*
  • France / epidemiology
  • Hawks / parasitology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Strigiformes / parasitology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan