Toxoplasmosis and iodine deficiency in Angora goats

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two goat herds in the Czech Republic. The 19 96 outbreak in the herd of Angora goats was: associated with abortions and births of weak kids. No apparent signs of toxoplasmosis were observed in th e herd of White Short-Haired (WSH) goats reared under similar conditions. S eroprevalences of 60% and 66% tested by complement fixation and indirect fl uorescent antibody tests, respectively, were found in the herd of Angora go ats during the outbreak of clinical toxoplasmosis. Significantly lower valu es were recorded in this herd in years 1994 and 1997 and in the herd of WSH goats between years 1994-1996. Iodine deficiency was also demonstrated in the herd of Angora gears in 1996, Goitre was detected by clinical examinati on in 39% of animals and mean urinary iodine concentration was 8.0 +/- 4.65 mu g: per Il. This concentration rose significantly to 15.7 +/- 5.02 mu g per 11 in the subsequent year. Effects of iodine deficiency on clinical man ifestation of toxoplasmosis in Angora goats were discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.