Prevalence of Sarcocystis Species (Sarcocystis ovicanis and Sarcocystis capricanis) in Tongue Muscle of Sheep and Goats in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, North Iraq

摘要

Sarcocystis species are coccidian protozoan parasites?of the phylum apicomplexa. The prevalence of Sarcocystis species?( Sarcocystis ovicanis and Sarcocystis capricanis) in tongue muscle?of sheep and goats that collected from abattoir and outside of?abattoir (at Butchers Markets) in Duhok province was determined?for the first time during the period of 4 months from September 01,?2014, to January 03, 2015. Three techniques were applied for this?purpose. Direct scotch cellophane adhesive tape test, muscle mincing?and squash method, and pepsin digestion technique. The overall?prevalence was 97% in sheep and 100% in goats. No significant?difference (p>0.05) was obtained between male and female of both?species. Histopathological analysis revealed different size and shape?of microcysts with thick cyst wall, in addition to mild histological?changes.