Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Tibetan sheep in northwestern China.

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Tibetan sheep was surveyed in Qinghai Province, northwestern China, in May and June 2010. In total, 580 serum samples was collected from 6 counties, and antibodies to T. gondii were detected by indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test. Antibodies to T gondii were found in 29.8% (1731580); regional differences showed the highest prevalences in Nangqian County (39.4%) and Zaduo County (48.7%). The results of the present study indicate that infection with T. gondii in sheep is widely spread in China, including Tibetan sheep in Qinghai Province, and is a potential public health concern.