The prevalence and identity of Sarcocystis in beef cattle in New Zealand

The epidemiology of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle of Western Australia

“…After an initial survey on 203 cattle, the oesophagus was chosen as the most suitable organ for detecting Sarcocystis infection. This was in line with previous studies on bovine sarcocystosis [8,9].…”

“…infection of 52 % which is lower than that reported from other countries. Using similar techniques, Hinaidy and co-workers [12] reported a prevalence of 87 % in Austria, Vercruysse and colleagues [9] found 97 % of cattle infected in Belgium, Boch and Erber [13] reported a prevalence of 99% in the Federal Republic of Germany and Bottner and co-workers [8] reported a prevalence of 97 % in New Zealand. The factors thought most likely to be responsible for the low prevalence in WA include the low densities of both the definitive and the intermediate host and the relative aridity of much of the region.…”

Toxoplasmaand other protozoan infections of economic importance in New Zealand

“…Despite the high prevalence of S. hirsuta sarcocysts in New Zealand cattle (Bottner et al 1987b), the recorded prevalence at meat inspection is extremely low. During 1987-91 it was, for all practical purposes, zero, although occasional carcases are detained and some condemned (P. van der Logt pers.…”

“…There are several reasons for this apparent discrepancy. In the study by Bottner et al (1987b), sarcocysts were recovered by the incubation of chopped meat in saline, not by visual inspection. Most of the sarcocysts found in carcases are small and slender, averaging about 4 mm long, and can be difficult to see; in any case, most sarcocysts are within the muscle and not visible on its surface; most infections are light; the practicalities of meat inspection are that relatively little time can be spent examining each animal.…”

“…A survey of muscle samples from 500 cattle in New Zealand showed a prevalence of S. hirsuta of 80% (Bottner et al 1987b). This indicates that the feeding of beef to cats on farms must be common, and this is borne out by Brettschneider's data.…”