The Facts about Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found in most animals and birds. It is also often present in garden soil and on fresh vegetables. Sooner or later one person in two will pick-up
a Toxoplasma infection - probably without realising it, as the infection has similar symptoms to a mild flu-like illness.

Toxoplasmosis is not usually dangerous to a healthy adult or child. However, if a woman catches toxoplasmosis for the first time whilst she is pregnant there is a risk to the health of her unborn child.

Toxoplasmosis can be caught from:

• Eating raw or undercooked meat
• Unpasteurised goat's milk, yoghurt and cheese
• Unwashed, uncooked fruit and vegetables
• Dirty cat litter
• Soil contaminated with infected cat faeces

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet.
• Children's outdoor sandboxes should be covered to prevent cats using them. Even though your children will not be at risk there is always a chance you could pick up the infection this way.
• If your cat or kitten is unwell take special care with hygiene and consult your vet.
• To avoid concerns over handling cat litter, disposable litter trays can be used.

Every mother-to-be should take a few simple precautions during pregnancy:

• Only eat meat which has been cooked thoroughly right through - not just brown on the outside but on the inside too, with no trace of pinkness.
• Always wash your hands before and after preparing raw meat and before eating or handling other foods. Also wash the cooking utensils and chopping boards you have used.
• Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly to remove all traces of soil and other potential contaminants.
• Avoid unpasteurised goat's and sheep's milk and their products.
• Always wear rubber gloves when gardening and keep these gloves separate - preferably in the garden shed – from ones you use for housework and washing-up. Remember to check them first for holes or tears.
• Avoid emptying dirty cat litter trays yourself but, if you have to, always wear rubber or polythene gloves. Make sure both faeces and trays are emptied at least daily. Toxoplasma oocysts are not infective for at least 24 hours after they have been deposited so, if trays are emptied, disinfected and thoroughly washed once a day, the risks are reduced to an absolute minimum.

Special Note:  Be sure you wash away any trace of disinfectant, as any residual smell can easily put off your cat from using the tray again and some coal tar-type disinfectants can be hazardous to cats. Always use a separate bowl or sink and cleansing utensil for this task.

First of all, don't panic – there is no reason to banish your cat if you become pregnant.

Toxoplasmosis has been around for a very long time and, as you will note, cats are only one of the sources. You can happily continue to handle your cat as usual. However, cats can excrete toxoplasma eggs in their faeces if they pick up an infection from eating wild birds, mice or raw meat so it is important to take relevant precautions. If you are pregnant and thinking of getting your first cat, have a word with a vet and your doctor first.

Because it has no definite symptoms, it is not easy to diagnose toxoplasmosis. If you are concerned and you are trying to conceive or have just found out you are pregnant, consult your doctor who will be able to advise you about appropriate tests etc.

On average, one in two people will pick up toxoplasmosis during their lifetime, but it is much more likely to come from a food or food related source than from a cat.

No-one lives in a totally germ-free environment so basic hygiene and cleanliness, starting with meticulous hand-washing will help to eliminate the risk of toxoplasmosis - and many other chance infections.