Jerome L. Mahrt

Sarcocystis in wild ungulates in Alberta.

Muscle samples from 557 wild ungulates in Alberta, comprising seven species, were examined grossly and/or histologically for cysts of Sarcocystis. Sarcocystis was found in 100, 96, 94, 75, 75, 73, and 49% of the wapiti (Cervus canadensis), moose (Alces alces), bison (Bison bison), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus), respectively.

Development of Isospora canis (Protozoa; Sporozoa) in cell culture.

SummaryIsospora canis, a coccidian parasite of the intestinal tract of dogs, underwent development in cultured canine and bovine cells. Daughter organisms were formed in a manner similar to endodyogeny in Toxoplasma, Besnoitia, and Sarcocystis. Pairing of organisms occurred and occasionally rosettes were observed. However, stages of schizogony as it occurs in Eimeria were not observed.

Ultrastructure of the cyst wall and merozoites ofSarcocystis from moose (Alces alces) in Alberta, Canada

Two distinct types of cysts ofSarcocystis from the musculature of moose (Alces alces) were compared by electron microscopy. The fusiform Type A cysts differed from the spherical Type B cysts in the appearance and thickness of the primary cyst wall, organization of cyst interior, and the presence of a secondary cyst wall around Type B. The respective merozoites also differed in size as well as in the number of rhoptries and diameter and arrangement of micronemes. Comparison of the ultrastructure of the moose sarcocysts with those described from other ungulates revealed substantial differences. It appears that two hitherto undescribed species ofSarcocystis are present in moose although cross-transmission and additional life cycle studies are necessary for a complete description.

Blood parasites of blue grouse (Dendragapus Obscurus) in western North America.

Three hundred thirty-three blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) were examined for blood parasites from 11 sites: southern Yukon Territory, southeast coastal Alaska, northern and central interior British Columbia, south coastal British Columbia, northcentral Washington, southcentral Oregon, northwestern California, eastcentral Nevada, northwestern Colorado, and westcentral Montana. Three species of protozoan parasites (Leucocytozoon lovati, Haemoproteus mansoni, Trypanosoma avium) and a splendidofilariid nematode (Microfilaria sp. B) were found in nearly all locations. Prevalence levels were consistently high for L. lovati (92%). The other hematozoa were found less frequently (H. mansoni 29%; T. avium 46%; and microfilaria 29%). The range of these parasites in blue grouse was extended to a more northern (Yukon Territory) and more southern distribution (Nevada) than previously reported. Ranges were also extended to blue grouse populations in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.