Toxoplasmosis: transmission, prevention and diagnosis

Everyday contact with an animal does not automatically mean infection. Food, soil and hygiene play an important role in prevention.

How exposure occurs

Toxoplasma gondii has a complex life cycle. People can be exposed through undercooked meat, soil or contaminated food; the role of cats should be explained without causing alarm.

Dogs should not be described as a source equivalent to cats in the parasite’s life cycle.

Pregnancy and vulnerable people

During pregnancy or in cases of immunosuppression, follow the advice of doctors and public health authorities. Cleaning the litter tray, wearing gloves while gardening and handling food correctly reduce the risk.

There is no need to give up an animal on the basis of general information.

Diagnosis in animals

Tests and their interpretation depend on the signs and clinical history. Medicines and treatment duration are veterinary decisions and are not turned into online protocols.

Sources and document updates

This information is general and does not replace diagnosis, prescription or instructions from a veterinarian. For a medicine, the summary of product characteristics or package leaflet for the specific presentation is authoritative.

• Istituto Superiore di Sanità — Toxoplasmosis (accessed 24/07/2026)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Toxoplasmosis (accessed 24/07/2026)
• ESCCAP — GL6 - Intestinal protozoa in cats and dogs (accessed 24/07/2026)

Editorial transparency: sources are provided to allow the documents to be checked. Professional review is only declared after genuine approval by a qualified, identifiable person.