The Role of Mustelids in the Transmission of Sarcocystis spp. Using Cattle as Intermediate Hosts

There is a lack of research on the role of mustelids in the transmission of various spp. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that widespread mustelids in Lithuania could be involved in the transmission of spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts. In 2016-2020, intestinal samples of 84 mustelids were examined. spp. were identified by species-specific PCR targeting the gene and subsequent sequencing. Under a light microscope, oocysts/sporocysts of spp. were observed in 40 samples (47.6%), while using molecular methods, they were detected in 75 animals (89.3%). Four spp. were identified in the intestinal samples of American mink ( ), Beech marten ( ), European pine marten ( ), European badger ( ) and European polecat ( ). The prevalence of predominant spp., . (89.3%) and . (73.8%) was significantly higher than that of . (3.6%) and . (1.2%). In an individual sample, most frequently two spp. were identified (69.0%), then a single species (15.5%) and three species (4.8%). The present study provides strong evidence that mustelids serve as definitive hosts for spp. using cattle as intermediate hosts.