Abstract
Background: Protozoal diseases caused by <i>Sarcocystis</i> species can cause serious damage in sheep and goats flocks, inducing decreased growth conversion rates and partial or complete condemnation of carcasses at the slaughter house. Sarcocystis spp. affecting sheep and goats are host specific for their intermediate hosts and family specific for their final hosts. They derive their name from the intramuscular cyst stage present in the intermediate host. Objective: Macro and micro identification of macro-cysts of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. affecting a Najdi sheep carcass. Method: Detection of macrosarcocystis during routine post mortem examination and identification the detected cyst by histopathological investigation. Result: The macroscopic sarcocysts were found cleared and scattered in almost all skeletal muscles including shoulder, chest and diaphragm as well as thigh. Both morphological and histopathological characteristics indicated that the detected cysts may be identified as <i>Sarcocystis gigantea</i>. Conclusion: It is a case study of macro-cysts of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. affecting local breed of Najdi sheep. It is considered a seldom detected case all over many years during meat inspection at Buraidah slaughter house. The possible control measures are those of simple hygiene. Farm dogs should not be housed in, or allowed access to, fodder stores nor should they be allowed to defecate in pens where livestock are housed. It is also important that they are not fed uncooked meat.
Highlights
Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming coccidia that infect several livestock species causing sarcocystosis which responsible for the formation of cysts often observed in the skeletal and cardiac muscles
There are two common Sarcocystis species affecting sheep, the first is Sarcocystis tenella (S. ovicanis) which is highly pathogenic to lambs causing fever, anorexia, weight loss, loss of wool, abortion, premature birth nervous signs and death
The second species is Sarcocystis gigantea (S. ovifelis) which is moderately pathogenic to sheep with macroscopic cysts found as small white cysts resemble grains of rice and commonly affect the oesophagus, tongue, diaphragm and skeletal muscle and their presence in the muscles and viscera of carcasses at the slaughterhouse causes economic losses due to the partial or total loss of carcasses
Summary
Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming coccidia that infect several livestock species causing sarcocystosis which responsible for the formation of cysts often observed in the skeletal and cardiac muscles. It has a high prevalence in sheep, resulting in serious injury in different organ systems, abortion, and death. Conclusion: It is a case study of macro-cysts of Sarcocystis spp. affecting local breed of Najdi sheep It is considered a seldom detected case all over many years during meat inspection at Buraidah slaughter house. It is important that they are not fed uncooked meat
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
