2.1: Life cycle of Sarcocystis species -------------------------------------------------------------------7
3.1: Study Area --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
ABSTRACT Sarcocystis infection is a parasitic zoonosis which causes acute and fatal clinical diseases in food animals; hence it is imperative to determine the prevalence of the infection. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in slaughtered cattle, goats and pigs in Otukpo and to identify risk factors associated with the infection. Tissues samples (oesophagus) were collected from 50 cattle, 25 goats and 25 pigs from slaughter houses. Histological sections of tissues were stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). 8 (16.0%) cattle, 4 (16.0%) goats and 2 pigs were positive for sarcocyst. The measurement of sarcocyst and sporocyst were performed for identification of species. The length and width of these and thickness of the sarcocyst wall was recorded and compared with those described previously by Dubey et al (1989). A calibrated eye piece was inserted into the micrometer; the slide containing the oocyst/sarcocyst was placed on the stage of the micrometer and focused while viewing from the eye piece. The oocyst/sarcocyst was moved towards the calibration with the help of the adjustment knob of the microscope until the calibration is placed side by side with the
oocyst/sarcocyst. The zero point was placed at the beginning of the oocyst/sarcocyst and measurement was taken from one end of the oocyst/sarcocyst to the other. This sarcocyst were found in oesophagus of these animals. Age, sex and breed did not significantly influence the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection (p > 0.05). Sarcocystis cruzi and Sarcocystis hominiswere identified in cattle, S meischeriana and possible S. porcifeliswere identified in pigs while Sarcocystis capracanis and Sarcocystis hircicanis were identified in goats. The overall prevalence of Sarcocyst in this study shows 16.0%. This study has established the prevalence of Sarcocystisinfection in cattle, pigs and goats in the study area. Identified species were of public health importance. Adequate heat treatment of meat and none feeding of raw meat to pets is advocated.
