How to reduce the risk of catching toxoplasmosis

While the risk of getting infected with toxoplasmosis from your cat is small, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk further:

• wear disposable gloves and an apron when cleaning litter trays
• clean litter trays every day to prevent toxoplasmosis spores from developing from contaminated poo
• wash the cat's litter trays periodically with detergent or cat-safe disinfectant and boiling water. Soak for five to 10 minutes
• cover children's sand pits to prevent cats pooing in them
• avoid feeding cats raw or under-cooked meat or unpasteurised products

You can reduce the risks of contracting toxoplasmosis from other sources, particularly if you are pregnant or immuno-suppressed:

• wear gloves when handling raw meat, fruit and vegetables and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
• cook all meat thoroughly to at least 70°C for 15 minutes. Freezing meat at -12°C for several days also kills the toxoplasmosis oocysts
• avoid consuming cured or raw meats or unpasteurised dairy products, including goat's milk
• wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly, including ready-prepared salads, to remove any traces of soil
• wash all utensils, chopping boards and surfaces with hot water and detergent after handling raw meat, fruit and vegetables
• boil or filter surface water before drinking
• wear gloves when gardening and avoid putting hands or gloves to your mouth. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with soil
• avoid contact with sheep and newborn lambs at lambing time