Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and oocysts in pound-source cats.

The overall prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 87 pound-source cats from the state of Washington was 31%; its was 41% for stray cats and 28% for owner-relinquished cats. Approximately 60% of the 27 seropositive cats had dye-test titers greater than or equal to 1:256. Oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii were not observed in fecal specimens from 73 of the cats. It was concluded that the high antibody titers, indicative of recently acquired infection, could result in increased risk to persons handling tissues of such cats.