Toxoplasmosis
Print page Send by email
Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii). This parasite occurs commonly throughout the world and infects humans, other mammals, and birds.
Infected cats carry T. gondii for a short time in their intestinal tract and during this time, for up to 20 days, the cat sheds the parasite in their faeces. Cats are therefore a very common source of infection. T. gondii can survive in water or moist soil for over a year.
Following recovery from toxoplasmosis infection, a few parasites can remain in tiny cysts in the muscles, brain, lungs, or other organs.
Last updated: 5 June 2023
