SURVEY OF SARCOCYSTIS INFECTION IN CATTLE IN EAST HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

The prevalence of Sarcocystis infection was examined in older cows and imported cattle slaughtered in East Hokkaido. Samples of myocardial t issues were examined for Sarcocystis microscopically. Sarcocystis cyst s were detected in 15.7% of 83 older cows, 48.4% of 98 imported cattle which were kept in East Hokkaido prior to slaughter and 51.1% of 94 i mported cattle slaughtered immediately after quarantine check. Based o n the morphology of the cyst wall and the establishment of infection i n experimentally inoculated dog, the Sarcocystis species was identifie d as Sarcocystis cruzi.