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.