Investigation of the Status of Infection of Minced Beef With Sarcocystis Parasite in Samples Collected From Butchers in Tabriz

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcocystosis is one of the most common protozoan parasites in the domestic livestock and causes severe infection in some hosts such as cattle and sheep. In addition to domestic animals, Sarcocystis infects many wild animals, birds, coldblooded animals, and humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate and estimate the initial status of Sarcocystis infection in minced beef in Tabriz. Methods: For digestion test and diagnosis of Sarcocystis contamination from butchers in Tabriz, 300 samples and 100 grams of minced meat samples were prepared and transferred in plastic bags and separately to the parasitology laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Iran. After preparing the digestive solution according to the standard method, an experiment was performed for each sample. Results: In this study, out of the total number of 300 collected samples, 189 samples were infected with the Sarcocystis parasite (63%). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection is high and this issue, in addition to inflicting economic losses due to livestock losses and seizure of infected carcasses or organs, as well as reducing livestock production, indicates the existence of health risks for residents. Due to the life cycle and epidemiology of this parasite, the need for further studies and control and health measures is important.