Factors affecting the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Spain

Sera from 456 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) collected between 1992 and 2003 from five geographical regions of Spain were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the modified agglutination test. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 65 (14.2%) wild rabbits. Prevalence of infection was significantly higher in samples collected from wild rabbits from Catalonia, northeast Spain (53.8%), where rabbits lived in forest, compared to other areas (Huelva and Cádiz, Andalucı́a, south Spain; Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain; and Zaragoza, Aragón, northeast Spain) with more dry conditions, where prevalence ranged from 6.1 to 14.6%. No differences were observed on prevalence and age (young animals