Experimental Infection of Bovines with Oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii

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Abstract
Calves aged 3 mo. were readily infected with oocysts and cysts of T. gondii administered orally. Fever, respiratory distress, nasal discharge and hyperemia of the conjunctivas were the most significant clinical signs noted. Parasitemia was demonstrated in all infected calves. It occurred on different days and up to 62 days after the infection. Toxoplasma was demonstrated in tissues of all infected calves, and the organ most frequently parasitized was the lymph node. Parasitism of the retina was demonstrated in 2 calves. All infected animals had antibody against T. gondii in their serum. The Sabin-Feldman dye test and the indirect immunofluorescent test were both useful in detecting antitoxoplasma antibody.