By Nida Sadiq
SRINAGAR- Amid rising concerns over toxoplasmosis, veterinary and health experts are working to dispel misconceptions and emphasize hygiene as the key to preventing infection. While the disease can pose risks to pregnant women, experts clarify that indoor pet cats are rarely a source of transmission.
Dr. Syed Altaf Geelani, superintendent of Central Veterinary Hospital Srinagar, recently warned that toxoplasmosis could be linked to abortion cases in Kashmir. “Cats pose health risks due to their toilet habits. If not properly cared for, they can spread infections, including toxoplasmosis, which may cause miscarriages,” he said, adding that SMHS Hospital has treated pregnancy complications related to the infection.
However, leading pet clinician Dr. Qazi Mudasir countered misconceptions, stating that cat ownership alone does not lead to infection. “For a cat to transmit toxoplasmosis, it must first contract the parasite by eating infected rodents, birds or raw meat. Indoor cats on commercial diets are unlikely carriers,” he said.
He stressed that humans are far more likely to contract the parasite through contaminated food and soil. “Raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, unboiled water, and handling contaminated soil while gardening are the main transmission routes,” he said. “Cat bites or scratches are not significant risk factors.”
Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are most vulnerable to complications, as the parasite can cause miscarriage or neurological disorders in newborns.
Experts recommend key preventive measures:
— Cook meat thoroughly.
— Wash fruits and vegetables properly.
— Wear gloves while gardening and wash hands afterward.
— Avoid drinking unboiled water.
— Pregnant women should not handle cat litter.
Scientific research supports these guidelines. A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that 63% of toxoplasmosis infections result from consuming undercooked meat, while soil exposure accounts for 17%. Contact with cat feces poses a significantly lower risk, especially with regular litter box maintenance.
Dr. Mudasir urged against fear-driven reactions toward pets. “The real concern is food safety and environmental exposure, not pet ownership,” he said.
As awareness grows, experts call for informed precautions rather than panic, emphasizing that hygiene not stigma remains the best defense against toxoplasmosis.
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