Seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Quebec, Canada

The seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in t rapped lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Quebec, Canada. Forty-seven of 106 (44%) lynx and 4 of 10 (40%) bobcats had positive titer s for T. gondii (greater than or equal to 25) by means of the modified aggl utination test incorporating mercaptoethanol and formalin-fixed tachyzoites . Seroprevalence was significantly higher (P<0.0001) in adult lynx than in juvenile lynx. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii in lynx and bobcats suggests that this organism is widespread in the wild and that exposure to wild felids and game animals from Quebec may represent a potential source o f infection for humans.