The risk of contracting toxoplasmosis is misunderstood and frequently overblown. I'm not saying that it isn't a serious concern for women who are exposed for the first time during pregnancy, but let's look at the facts: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that more than 60 million people in the United States may be already infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. That means 20 percent of us living in the US have already been infected.

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a parasite sometimes found in raw meats and cat faeces. It can cause complications in a developing baby, but it's pretty easy to avoid. See our article for more information.

Risks are almost non-existent to healthy adult animals and mainly affect a pet which is already severely ill, severely stressed or with a compromised immune system due to an immune disorder or taking immuno-suppressive drugs such as steroids. We do not recommend that animals with these characteristics be fed a raw meat diet. Dogs and Cats have digestive systems designed to handle and destroy many bacteria that are harmful to humans such as Salmonella and E. Coli.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease which is sometimes spread through animal feces, especially cats'. It's nothing to worry about, unless you're pregnant, have a very young child, or have a weakened immune system -- it's very dangerous to a human fetus in the first stages of development, it may be dangerous to infants and toddlers, and it's a concern for those who are HIV+. Ask your doctor if you think you might be susceptible. Toxoplasmosis has been reported twice in ferrets.

A - No, they don't. In fact the disease is quite rare. There are some misconceptions here. The disease does not start in cats: cats can become infected only if they come into contact with the disease - by eating infected meat from wildlife for example. It is relatively difficult to become infected. However, if you have any concerns please check with your vet and your doctor before beginning the training. Chat with others who have tried and tested the Litter Kwitter at http://www.litterkwitter.

A serum IgM & IgG titer is the test of choice to diagnosis active disease. Often, a convalescent titer is needed.

Believe me, I don't take the dangers of this condition lightly. It can be a very serious concern for certain people. But admonitions from some medical doctors to "get rid of your cat" without explaining the nature of the risk and the steps that can be taken to avoid or mitigate it do not tell the whole story. Given the above, paying attention to hygiene and getting a handle on your vulnerability to toxoplasmosis makes good sense.

No. Paw Naturaw owns its USDA voluntary inspected manufacturing facility designed solely for producing organic, frozen, raw diets. Moreover, Paw Naturaw operates with a Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (PR/HACCP) system to effectively control potential contamination. Paw Naturaw thaws frozen supplies of beef, bison, and chicken at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 36 hours before processing.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite that infects birds and mammals, including humans. Cats are the only live carriers of toxoplasmosis. When a cat is infected, its feces contain toxoplasma eggs for about 2 weeks. These eggs can survive in moist soil for up to 18 months. Eggs in soil or sand can also contaminate food and water. Toxoplasmosis can be passed to people from cat feces or in contaminated food or water. People most often get toxoplasmosis by: Ingesting the eggs.