Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a common zoonotic infection worldwide. *T. gondii* has a facultative heteroxenous life cycle, infecting various warm-blooded animals and humans. The parasite can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus during pregnancy or horizontally through ingestion of infectious oocysts, tissue cysts, or tachyzoites in meat or other animal products. Recent studies suggest that the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, particularly from pigs and sheep, is no longer a major route of transmission in many countries due to intensive farm management. However, transmission routes vary among different populations, influenced by cultural and dietary habits. In the Americas, recent outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis have been linked to oocyst contamination of the environment. This review discusses recent epidemiological data on *T. gondii*, potential transmission routes, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of primary infection during pregnancy. It highlights the importance of oocysts as a potential source of infection and the need for monitoring methods. The review also covers the life cycle of *T. gondii*, its zoonotic importance, and the prevalence of infections in humans, emphasizing the role of immunocompromised individuals and the impact of congenital infections on fetal development.Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a common zoonotic infection worldwide. *T. gondii* has a facultative heteroxenous life cycle, infecting various warm-blooded animals and humans. The parasite can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus during pregnancy or horizontally through ingestion of infectious oocysts, tissue cysts, or tachyzoites in meat or other animal products. Recent studies suggest that the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, particularly from pigs and sheep, is no longer a major route of transmission in many countries due to intensive farm management. However, transmission routes vary among different populations, influenced by cultural and dietary habits. In the Americas, recent outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis have been linked to oocyst contamination of the environment. This review discusses recent epidemiological data on *T. gondii*, potential transmission routes, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of primary infection during pregnancy. It highlights the importance of oocysts as a potential source of infection and the need for monitoring methods. The review also covers the life cycle of *T. gondii*, its zoonotic importance, and the prevalence of infections in humans, emphasizing the role of immunocompromised individuals and the impact of congenital infections on fetal development.