Sarcocystis in caribou (Rangifer tarandus terraenorae) in Newfoundland.
Prevalence of species of Sarcocystis in muscle of 36 caribou, Rangifer tarandus terraenorae, shot in Newfoundland, Canada, was 53%. A greater percentage of infected animals were obtained from the central part of the island. The highest concentration of microscopic sarcocysts, 1/mm2 of tissue, was observed in a 5-year old animal. Although widely distributed throughout the body, cysts were more prevalent in the tongue and diaphragm. The potential of Sarcocystis in caribou as a food-borne disease organism in man cannot be overlooked in view of its prevalence in meat and its widespread consumption, when lightly cooked, in rural Newfoundland.
Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Canada.
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D000818:Animals; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000469:parasitology; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012053:Reindeer / Q000469:parasitology*; D012522:Sarcocystis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012523:Sarcocystosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014059:Tongue / Q000469:parasitology