THE PREVALENCE OF SARCOSPORIDIOSIS IN AUSTRALIAN MEAT ANIMALS*

Abstract

The prevalence of Sarcocystis infectious in Tasmanian sheep, cattle and pigs was assessed during February 1974. Serological results indicated that over 90% of sheep and cattle were infected. Macroscopic sarcocysts were found in 0.6% of lambs, 8.8% of 2- to 6-tooth (1 to 4 years old) sheep and 66% of full-mouth (4 years and older) sheep. The minimum prevalence in pigs, as determined by microscopic examination of muscle tissues, was 1.4% for animals less than 12 months old and 16.7% for animals older than 12 months. Abattoir figures, supplied by the Australian Department of Agriculture, showed that in 1972/73 the condemnation rate of sheep for sarcosporidiosis was 6 times greater in Tasmania than in New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia. The percentage of condemned carcases was lowest in Western Australia and Queensland.