BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 April 2014 Reproductive Implications of Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus)
Chris Mayberry, Shane K. Maloney, Jeff Mitchell, Peter R. Mawson, Roberta Bencini
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Australian marsupials are thought to be particularly vulnerable to pathologic impacts of Toxoplasma gondii, and they may be similarly affected by Neospora caninum. Pathology due to either organism could be expressed as reduced female reproductive performance. We studied adult female western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus) from suburban Perth, Western Australia, between May 2006 and October 2008. We used indirect fluorescent antibody tests to look for evidence of exposure to T. gondii and N. caninum in M. fuliginosus ocydromus and tested the association between their reproductive performance and a positive test result. Although 20% of plasma samples collected from 102 female kangaroos were positive for T. gondii and 18% were positive for N. caninum, we found no association between positive results and reproductive performance. Further study will be required to clarify if, and under what circumstances, T. gondii and N. caninum are pathogenic to macropod marsupials.

Wildlife Disease Association 2014
Chris Mayberry, Shane K. Maloney, Jeff Mitchell, Peter R. Mawson, and Roberta Bencini "Reproductive Implications of Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus)," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50(2), 364-368, (1 April 2014). https://doi.org/10.7589/2013-03-064
Received: 15 March 2013; Accepted: 1 October 2013; Published: 1 April 2014
KEYWORDS
kangaroo
Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus
Neospora caninum
reproductive performance
Toxoplasma gondii
Western Australia
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top