Prevalence associated with Sarcocystis spp. in sheep from the Altos Sur Region of Jalisco

The protozoan Sarcocystis spp is an intracellular parasite, which causes infections to different species of animals, including sheep. The presence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep causes anemia, weakness, weight loss and death, resulting in economic losses, in addition, considered a zoonosis since this can be transmitted to humans. Although the state of Jalisco is an important producer of sheep, a few is known about the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep that are intended to produce meat for human consumption. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence associated with Sarcocystis spp. in fattening sheep in the Altos Sur Region of the state of Jalisco. A total of 66 tissue samples from the heart and 66 from the esophagus were collected, the tissues were examined for macrocysts under the stereoscopic microscope. Macrocysts were observed in seven heart and three esophageal samples, while the overall prevalence was 7.58%. It was concluded that in sheep intended for human consumption in the Altos Sur region of Jalisco, the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. is low. However, it is recommended to complement the identification of the parasite through molecular, serological, and histopathological tests.