Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma gondii in equines in Northern Egypt

Abstract

Collectively, our findings revealed a high <i>T. gondii</i> exposure among equine species in Northern Egypt, with a notably higher seroprevalence in donkeys compared to horses. This study represents one of the most extensive serosurveys of <i>T. gondii</i> in equids conducted in Egypt, featuring the largest sample size of donkeys examined to date. It also examined previously unexplored risk factors related to parasite exposure in equids. The present findings highlight the critical importance of performing periodical surveillance, monitoring, and management of the parasite among equids, which might have a major impact on animal and public health.