[Investigations for Sarcocystis spp in muscle tissue of different farm animals in the Netherlands.]

Abstract niet beschikbaarSamples of muscle tissue of fattening calves, diary cattle, fattening pigs, sows and sheep were collected at various slaughterhouses and investigated for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Cattle and older sheep were highly infected, showing prevalences of 100% and 89%, respectively, whereas pigs and fatting calves showed no infection. Young sheep were less infected than adult ones, the prevalence in sheep of ten months of age being 43%. As far as meat inspection regulations are concerned, it is emphasized that few Sarcocystis spp. infecting farm animals are infectious for humans. It is recommended to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis bovihominis, the only species in cattle which can be transmitted to man. In order to decrease the high rate of infection in cattle, measures interfering with the lifecycle of Sarcocystis spp., preferably related to preventive measures with regard to other parasites, have to be studied. Since infection with Sarcocystis spp. in swine can cause disease in man, it is also recommended to regularly investigate the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in swine in order to be informed about possible changes in the presently low prevalence.VHI /Nieuwenhuijs JH