Potential Risk Factors for the Presence of Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies in Finishing Pigs on Conventional Farms in the Netherlands

Abstract Background The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is recognized worldwide as a pathogen causing a substantial human disease burden. Ingesting improperly cooked meat containing T. gondii is considered one of the major sources of human infection in Europe and North America. Consequently, control of T. gondii infections in pigs is warranted. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advised to perform serological testing of pigs and farm audits for the presence of risk factors. Serological monitoring was implemented in several Dutch slaughterhouses. Blood samples from all deliveries of finishing pigs to the slaughterhouses were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Using these test results, a case-control study was initiated to assess the association between the within-herd T. gondii seroprevalence and the presence of risk factors for T. gondii infections in 69 conventional finishing pig herds in the Netherlands. Results In a multivariable model twelve potential risk factors were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with the level of seropositive T. gondii blood serum samples. Conclusions Serological screening of finishing pigs in the slaughterhouse for T. gondii can be used to identify presence of T. gondii risk factors on Dutch conventional finishing pig farms. The use of serological screening seems therefore a valuable tool to guide and monitor the control of T. gondii in pork production.