PREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA-GONDII ANTIBODY IN WILD MACROPODS

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure total antibody to Toxoplasma gondii in serum samples from macropods. The validity of the assay was established by comparing parasite isolation in mice for 17 Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii) and 17 Bennett''s wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus). The ELISA was then used to detect antibody against T. gondii in serum from 236 macropods, collected from 21 locations in Tasmania, including Flinders island. Antibody against T. gondii was detected in 20 animals (15 T. billardierii and 5 M. rufogriseus). There was a significant (p < 0.01) difference in possession of T. gondii antibodies between adult (.gtoreq. 1 year of age) Tasmanian pademelons and Bennett''s wallabies.