Knapen F van ,
Franchimont JH ,
Kremers AFT ,
Greve E ,
Bouwman D ,
Breedijk OG ,
Venrooy L van
16 p
in Dutch
1993
Toon Nederlands
English Abstract Samples of muscle tissue of fattening calves, diary
cattle, fattening pigs, sows and sheep were collected at various
slaughterhouses and investigated for the presence of Sarcocystis spp.
Cattle and older sheep were highly infected, showing prevalences of 100% and
89%, respectively, whereas pigs and fatting calves showed no infection.
Young sheep were less infected than adult ones, the prevalence in sheep of
ten months of age being 43%. As far as meat inspection regulations are
concerned, it is emphasized that few Sarcocystis spp. infecting farm
animals are infectious for humans. It is recommended to investigate the
prevalence of Sarcocystis bovihominis, the only species in cattle which can
be transmitted to man. In order to decrease the high rate of infection in
cattle, measures interfering with the lifecycle of Sarcocystis spp.,
preferably related to preventive measures with regard to other parasites,
have to be studied. Since infection with Sarcocystis spp. in swine can
cause disease in man, it is also recommended to regularly investigate the
presence of Sarcocystis spp. in swine in order to be informed about
possible changes in the presently low prevalence.
