Evidence of Toxoplasmosis in Two Ratites

Abstract

Winchester, Tennessee 37398 Two ratites were presented on separate occasions for anorexia and gastrointestinal distress. Both birds had high antibody titers for Toxoplasma gondii. The flock mates were negative for antibodies against T. gondii and appeared clinically normal. Because titers to T. gondii develop in animals onlyfollowing infection, the high titer in the two affected birds suggests that they had toxoplasmosis. Taxoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ratites with anorexia, diarrhea and dyspnea. Cats should not have access to ratite feed or any areas where ratites are maintained. If ratites are to be considered as a food source, the possibility of T. gondii transmission needs to be investigatedfurther.