Epidemiology and control of toxoplasmosis in dogs

Abstract

Considering the close proximity between men and dogs and the zoonotic potential of these diseases, determining the occurrence of endoparasitosis, mainly toxoplasmosis, in pets has become increasingly relevant. This disease is frequently diagnosed in spite of the existent therapeutic and prophylactic measures. Studies of animal toxoplasmosis are essential in view of its transmission to men and its pathogenicity in pets. The dog can be involved in the mechanical transmission of the infection by Toxoplasma gondii and in spite of not being the definitive host, it has an epidemiological role in this disease. The high rate of dogs naturally infected by T. gondii and the great possibility of adquiring this protozoan, justify the importance of attempting against for the occurrence of this illness. The aim of this chapter wil be clear some clinical aspects, address the participation of small animals in the spread of the disease, as well as discuss methods of diagnosis, therapeutic measures, prophylaxis and control of this disease.© 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.