Abstract
BackgroundReports from UK hunters of ‘rice grains’ in muscles of shot wildfowl (Anatidae) coincided temporally with the finding of sarcocystosis in a number of ducks found as part of the...
Highlights
Sarcocystis species (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) are intracellular cyst forming protist parasites of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish [1]
The UK Wildfowl Sarcocystis Survey is a collaborative project between the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and University of Liverpool, including a reporting website for suspected wildfowl S. rileyi cases
Hunter questionnaire Responses were received from a total of 948 individuals, with 820 and 128 replies being provided by the BASC email and Facebook links respectively
Summary
Sarcocystis species (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) are intracellular cyst forming protist parasites of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish [1]. In North American wildfowl, frequently utilising the northern shoveler (Anas clypeata) and other Anas dabbling duck species as an intermediate host, and the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) as a definitive host [5,6,7]. Wildfowl Sarcocystis infection has previously not been associated with increased mortality, investigations into health impacts have been limited [4]. Granulomatous myositis, associated with sarcocyst degeneration, has been diagnosed in northern shoveler and mallard (A. platyrhynchos) [8]. Such conditions could potentially predispose infected individuals to reduced fitness and increased predation and shooting risk [7]
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
