Cats shown as source of important diseases

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 6

Cats shown as source of important diseases

Cats have recently been shown to be a source of important diseases in man and farm animals, says a Massey University veterinary pathologist, Mr FI. Collins. Mr Collins, in the November issue of the Federated Mountain Clubs’ “Bulletin,” mentions diseases which) cause abortions and cysts in] muscles. He mentions the! diseases in an appeal for information on wild cats' from people who frequent; the New Zealand outdoors. “Any reports and opinions on the occurrence, distribution, breeding, and feeding habits of wild cats would be very welcome,” he| says. The diseases he mentions!

i include Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoal parasite that can I be transmitted by cats and often causes abortions in sheep. “If the infection occurs in ■ a woman during pregnancy, I she may give birth to a ' mentally or physically. defective child,” Mr Collins says. . “Another similar parasite, I Sarcocystis, gives rise to •I cysts in the muscles of ‘many animals. In sheep, the :• cysts are an important cause of economic loss to the meat! ; industry. This infection can! only be transmitted by cats. ■ Other species of Sarcocystis (have been found in deer, pigs, goats, and rabbits, and ■I it is possible that cats are

also the source of these infections.”

Anyone with information about wild cats should write to Mr Collins, the department of veterinary pathology, Massey University, Palmerston North.