Detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in cattle raised in Gyeongbuk Province, Korea

This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Gyeongbuk province, the largest producer of cattle in Korea. Of blood samples obtained from 568 animals, 0.5% (3 of 568) tested seropositive for T. gondii by using a commercial ELISA kit. Among young individuals (≤1 year old), adult individuals (2 years old), and old individuals (≥3 years old), 0 (0%) of 37, 3 (0.6%) of 474, and 0 (0%) of 57 were seropositive, respectively. Among male, female, and castrated individuals, 0 (0%) of 22, 0 (0%) of 74, and 3 (0.6%) of 472 were seropositive, respectively. Among individuals from east, south, and northwest regions of Gyeongbuk province, 0 (0%) of 155, 2 (0.7%) of 288, and 1 (0.8%) of 125 were seropositive, respectively. No statistical differences were observed among the groups. Although a low T. gondii seroprevalence was detected in cattle raised in Gyeongbuk province, toxoplasmosis is still a concern owing to the Korean habit of eating raw or undercooked meat and the consequent risk of Toxoplasma transmission to animals and humans.