Sarcocystis is a threat to food security in the Peruvian Andes. The Sarcocystis species that forms microcysts in the myocardium of alpacas is S. masoni n. sp. (known as "S. lamacanis"). There is a lack of current studies estimating the prevalence of this parasite in alpacas, although this information is crucial for the control and prevention of sarcocystosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and cyst density of Sarcocystis masoni n. sp. in the myocardium of alpacas in Huancavelica, a province of the Andean region of Peru. Myocardial samples for histological analysis were taken from 104 alpacas slaughtered in an o cial abattoir in the area. All alpacas (100%) presented this parasite. About 44% (95% CI: 34.5-53.5%), presented from 31 to 45 microcysts per mm2 of myocardial histological slide (cyst density). Cyst density was signi cantly higher (p<0.05) as the age of the animals increased. In addition, cyst density was signi cantly higher (p<0.05) in 4-and 5-years-old males compared to females of the same age. These results con rm that myocardial sarcocystosis is highly endemic in alpacas in Peru.
We report cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevalence in Huancayo Province, Peru, and the associated economic effect of bovine organ condemnation. CE prevalence during the 16-month study period was 42.8% and caused $14,595 in economic losses. CE threatens food security in the region by reducing farmers’ income and viscera supply in markets.
Sarcocystis is a threat to food security in the Peruvian Andes. The Sarcocystis species that forms microcysts in the myocardium of alpacas is S. masoni n. sp. (known as "S. lamacanis"). There is a lack of current studies estimating the prevalence of this parasite in alpacas, although this information is crucial for the control and prevention of sarcocystosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and cyst density of Sarcocystis masoni n. sp. in the myocardium of alpacas in Huancavelica, a province of the Andean region of Peru. Myocardial samples for histological analysis were taken from 104 alpacas slaughtered in an official abattoir in the area. All alpacas (100%) presented this parasite. About 44% (95% CI: 34.5-53.5%), presented from 31 to 45 microcysts per mm2 of myocardial histological slide (cyst density). Cyst density was significantly higher (p<0.05) as the age of the animals increased. In addition, cyst density was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 4- and 5-years-old males compared to females of the same age. These results confirm that myocardial sarcocystosis is highly endemic in alpacas in Peru.
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