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Muscular sarcocystosis in coyotes from Oklahoma
C A Cummings1, A A Kocan, R W Barker
1Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-2007, USA. rosscac@okstate.edu
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 21, 2000
Summary
Researchers found Sarcocystis sp. sarcocysts in the skeletal muscle of two coyotes in Oklahoma. This marks the first documented instance of these microscopic parasites in coyote muscle tissue.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites with complex life cycles involving intermediate and definitive hosts.
- Coyotes (Canis latrans) are widespread canids that can act as definitive hosts for various Sarcocystis species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and morphological characteristics of Sarcocystis sarcocysts in free-ranging coyotes from Oklahoma, USA.
- To document the first report of Sarcocystis sp. in the skeletal muscle of coyotes.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 52 free-ranging coyotes from Oklahoma for sarcocysts.
- Light and ultrastructural microscopy to analyze cyst wall morphology and dimensions.
Main Results:
- Sarcocysts were identified in the skeletal muscle of 2 out of 52 coyotes (3.8% prevalence).
- Microscopy revealed thin, smooth cyst walls with minute villar protrusions.
- Sarcocyst dimensions ranged from 14.4–50.4 µm in width and 46.8–99 µm in length.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first occurrence of Sarcocystis sp. sarcocysts in coyote skeletal muscle.
- The findings contribute to understanding the host-parasite interactions and geographical distribution of Sarcocystis in North American wildlife.