EXPERIMENTAL-INFECTION WITH TOXOPLASMA-GONDII IN FARMED MINK (MUSTELA-VISON S)

Live Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts (Strain 119) were administered ora lly to five mink (Mustela vison S.) and five mink were inoculated with a suspension of ultrasonicated Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites (RH-str ain). Seroconversion was observed in all animals administered live T. gondii cysts indicating that infection was established. Likewise seroc onversion was observed in three out of four animals administered ultra sonicated T gondii trophozoites. Faecal shedding of oocysts of T. gond ii was not demonstrated in any of the infected animals. Histologically chronic meningitis with calcification was seen in all animals. Cerebr al T gondii tissue cysts were detected in four animals administered li ve tissue cysts. The study demonstrates that mink can be experimentall y infected with T gondii, thus representing a potential infection sour ce for man, when considering the pelting procedure.