In sarcocystosis, the muscles and other soft tissues are invaded by single-celled organisms called protozoans of the genus Sarcocystis. Although their final hosts are predators such as dogs and cats, these organisms form cysts in various intermediate hosts, including cattle, pigs, humans, rodents, sheep, goats, horses, wildlife, and reptiles. Some cysts are visible to the naked eye, but others are too small to see. Their size depends on the species of the host and the species of Sarcocystis. A cat can develop sarcocystosis after eating undercooked meat containing sarcocystis or after eating food infected with sporocysts from another animal’s feces. Infected cats often have no signs, although a mild diarrhea may be seen.
As noted above, people may serve as intermediate hosts and may develop inflammation and soreness of muscles and blood vessels. This condition is rare, and the source of human infection has never been determined. Signs are more likely to include nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea lasting up to 48 hours. The extent of human illness caused by infected meat has not been documented.
Because most adult cattle and sheep and many pigs harbor cysts in their muscles, cats should not be allowed to eat raw meat, edible organs (such as heart, liver, tongue, and brains), or dead animals. Cats can also consume cysts in the raw tissues of sheep and goats. To reduce transmission to livestock, supplies of grain and feed should be kept covered. Cats and dogs should not be allowed in buildings used to store feed or house animals. No vaccine is available. Experiments have shown that infected pork can be made safe for consumption by cooking at 158°F (70°C) for 15 minutes or by freezing at 25°F (- 4°C) for 2 days or -4°F (- 20°C) for 1 day.
Also see professional content regarding sarcocystosis.
