SARCOCYSTIS INFECTION IN SHEEP AND GOATS SLAUGHTERED IN SHALATIN ABATTOIR, RED SEA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Abstract

Tissue samples comprising the oesophagus, diaphragm, tongue, heart and intercostal muscles were collected from 555 sheep and 371 goats slaughtered at the abattoirs in the study area. and examined for infections with Sarcocystis spp. using macroscopic and microscopic methods of detection. Out of this number, 229 (41.26%) were positive for Sarcocystis cysts in sheep and 137(36.92%) in Goats. Macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts were seen. Macroscopic cysts were found in (9.9% & 7.54%) of the sheep and goats respectively, ranging in intensity from 1 to 35 cysts per carcass. Morphometric studies detected one type of macroscopic cysts which differed in their size and cyst wall morphology. Large ovoid cysts have thick primary cyst walls were identified as S. gigantea (syn. S. ovifelis). In comparison, microscopic cysts were detected in (81.8% to %80.33%) in sheep and goats respectively. Calculations of the intensities of infection ranged from 3 to 13 to 25 cysts per unit volume of muscle. Sarcocysts in sheep have smooth thin walls, measured 34.8 to 580 µ lengthwise and the cyst-wall 1.6- 2.4 µ They were identified to be Sarcocystis tenella (S. ovicanis). The cysts in goats measured 92 to 680 µ and the cyst – wall 2.3 - 3.7µ. They were identified as Sarcocystis capracanis. In both animal species, the sarcocysts were more frequent in the oesophagus compared to the other organs. Animals more than a year old were infested more frequently (46.96 & 47.96%) than those younger than a year old (30.56 & 25.20%). The females had a higher rate of infestation (54.86 & 46.84%) than males (37.78 & 32.69%). Infection reached peak in winter season compared to other seasons. This is the first study to throw light upon Sarcocystis species of sheep and goats in this area. Sarcocystis infection was shown to be common in sheep and goats in Shalatin area. Since the sheep and goats play an important role in the economy of this desert area. The impact of Sarcocystis infection in these animal species needs further attention. Also, this study shows that factors such as age, gender, animal type and involved organ contribute to the frequency infestations.