Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The main host of this parasite is the cat but it can infect almost any animal including humans. Infection does not always result in illness because the immune system can often fight the infection and prevent illness developing. Illness usually occurs in both animals and humans who have a weak immune system which can include the very young, animals or people suffering other diseases especially immunodeficiency diseases e.g AIDS in people and FIV in cats and unborn babies whose mother becomes infected.

How does infection occur?

Cats usually get toxoplasma by eating small animals such as mice and birds which carry toxoplasma in their muscle. Humans can be infected by eating undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products or by coming in contact with cat faeces (for example cleaning litter trays then handling food without first washing their hands). Unborn babies can become infected if their mother is infected because toxoplasma can cross through the placenta.

What does toxoplasma do?

In cats and people that are able to fight the infection, you will not know they have it and most will get rid of the infection within two weeks. If the immune system is weak and disease occurs the signs can be very variable because the parasite can go to many different areas of the body.

Signs can include:

•  difficulty breathing due to pneumonia •  behavioural changes/paralysis/seizures due to infection of the brain •  red/cloudy eyes/blindness due to infection in the eye •  diarrhoea/vomiting due to infection of the gut •  yellow gums due to infection of the liver •  weight loss and a temperature.

Is toxoplasma treatable?

 Toxoplasma can be treated with antibiotics but the success will depend on how severe the disease is. Some animals that recover may still carry the parasite and can show signs of disease again if they are stressed or have another illness which suppresses their immune system.

How do I avoid infection?

 Good hygiene is always important.

• Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after preparing meat for cooking and cook meat well.

•  Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products

•  Wash all vegetables well

•  Avoid feeding your cat uncooked meat

•  Try to prevent your cat from hunting rodents, birds and other small animals

•  Clean cat litter trays daily, if you are pregnant, wear gloves or get someone else to do it

•  Regularly disinfect cat litter trays with hot water

•  Wear gloves when gardening and wash your hands afterwards