Toxoplasma gondii is a food- and environment-borne protozoan that is associated with human infection, food safety and animal health. Despite Yunnan Province being a major food-producing animal region in China, comprehensive data on the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in its food animals remain limited. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pigs, sheep and goats, cattle and poultry across all 16 prefectures/cities in Yunnan Province. From April 2023 to December 2024, a total of 10,766 blood samples were collected from clinically healthy livestock and poultry, including 2954 pigs, 1950 cattle, 1961 sheep and goats, and 3901 poultry. Sera were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). Seroprevalence was calculated, and statistical analyses were conducted to assess risk factors (geographic location, season, and animal species). The overall seroprevalence was 13.7% (1474/10,766), with species-specific rates of 26.3% (516/1961) in sheep and goats, 15.1% (446/2954) in pigs, 12.9% (252/1950) in cattle, and the lowest (6.7%, 260/3901) in poultry. Seroprevalence varied considerably across regions, ranging from 9.4% to 27.5%, with the highest prevalence rate being observed in Diqing (27.5%, 141/515). Based on statistical analysis, season, region and animal species were identified as significant risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in Yunnan Province. Overall, this first province-wide investigation revealed widespread exposure of T. gondii across both regions and species. Stringent and sustained control measures against toxoplasmosis of livestock, poultry, and humans in Yunnan Province are recommended.
Deng et al. (Wed,) studied this question.