This study will provide critical information to improve individual feline care as well as population-level management of shelter felines. We will collect blood samples from 100 shelter cats from southern Louisiana to detect infection by laboratory analysis of their blood samples. We will also use genetic information of the parasite to identify the source of infection. These results will provide the baseline for the surveillance of T. cruzi infection in shelter cats in Louisiana, which will be key for the development of veterinary and public health interventions for the prevention of T.cruzi infection in both shelter animals and humans.
Grants