Toxoplasmosis is a common disease found in birds and mammals across North America.
The infection is caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondi and affects 10 to 20 out of every 100 people in North America by the time they are adults. In some cases the infection can also cause temporary blurred vision or loss of vision Most people who are infected do not show any signs of the disease. Persons who are pregnant or are experiencing a suppressed immune system due to AIDS, cancer or following organ transplants are at higher risk for illness. All animals and birds can be infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite. The parasite enters the muscles of a bird or animal when it eats raw meat or drinks the milk of another animal that is infected.