Toxoplasmosis is a common disease in the United States. Blood tests have demonstrated that a high percentage of Americans have had the disease without knowing it. It is caused by a one-celled microscopic organism called a protozoa. Animals (including humans) rarely develop symptoms of the disease. Toxoplasmosis particularly becomes a problem when a female develops the disease during pregnancy. The organism can cross the placenta and infect the unborn fetus.

Many animals can develop toxoplasmosis. The cat is the definitive host of the disease. The disease is tramsmitted through raw meat and cat feces. Cats contract the disease by eating their prey (rodents - mice and birds). The primary source of toxoplasmosis in dogs and humans is uncooked meat.

Toxoplasma eggs are shed in cat feces. After their release in the soil, these eggs require 24 hours to become infectious. Intermediate hosts (dogs, rodents, food animals, and humans) become contaminated by ingesting Toxoplasma eggs. In the soil, the eggs can remain infectious for more than 1 year.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis are rare. Most animals (including humans) develop immunity to the disease before clinical signs appear. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, diahrrea, vomiting, pneumonia, uveitis, tremors, and seizures. Uveitis often alerts the veterinarian to the possibility of toxoplasmosis. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis are seen much more frequently in cats than in dogs.

Cats exhibiting signs of toxoplasmosis often have underlying problems. The disease is often associated with immunosuppression. Cats with cancer, Feline Leukemia, and FIP often develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis.

Cats showing symptoms of toxoplasmosis should be examined by a veterinarian. Blood tests are necessary to diagnose the disease.

Humans and Toxoplasmosis — Prevention

• Meat should be thoroughly cooked.
• The litter box should be cleaned daily. Toxoplasma eggs need 24 hours to become infectious.
• Since Toxoplasma eggs are found in the soil, gloves should be worn when gardening.
• Cover choildren's sandboxes. Cats often deficate in sandboxes.
  Pregnant women should avoid contact with soil, cat litter, and raw meat. Toxoplasma can cross the placenta and infect the unborn fetus.