Investigation of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Slaughtered Sheep in Abattoir of Nigde Using ELISA Test

The objective of this study is to determine seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies with ELISA test in the sheep slaughtered in Nigde slaughterhouse. Blood samples were taken from one year and older 175 sheep between January and April. The serum samples obtained from the blood samples were examined with ELISA test, and anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 11 out of the 175 samples (6.28%). Serological examination of the sheep shows that the highest seropositivity rate of 12.5% (5/40) was detected in March, while the seropositivity rate in January was 5.9% (2/34), and in February it was 6.7% (4/60). However, none of the sheep inspected in April were seropositive for T. gondii. Comparison of the seropositivity rates of the sheep with regards to months did not reveal statistical significance (P>0.05). In conclusion, the presence of T. gondii in the sheep slaughtered in Nigde province have been determined