High, but variable prevalence of Sarcocystis cruzi infections in farm-raised American bison (Bison bison) beef destined for human consumption.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bison (Bison bison) and cattle (Bos taurus) are closely related (can interbreed) and they also share many parasites. Cattle are commonly infected with one or more of the eight named Sarcocystis species: Sarcocystis hirsuta, S. cruzi, S. hominis, S. bovifelis, S. heydorni, S. bovini, S. sigmoideus and S. rommeli. Among these, the full life-cycle is known only for S. cruzi. Sarcocystis cruzi (transmitted via canids) is recognized as the most pathogenic Sarcocystis species, causing abortion, low milk yield and poor body growth. It has been experimentally cross-transmitted from cattle to bison and vice versa.

Methods

We tested 200 bison tongues from three commercial sources (farms) (Nebraska #141; South Dakota #36; New Jersey and Pennsylvania #23). Frozen tongues were

SUBMITTER: de Araujo LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11787736 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature