Sarcocystis Species Lethal for Domestic Pigeons

Abstract

A large number of Sarcocystis spp. infect birds as intermediate hosts, but pigeons are rarely affected. We identified a novel Sarcocystis sp. that causes lethal neurologic disease in domestic pigeons in Germany. Experimental infections indicated transmission by northern goshawks, and sequence analyses indicated transnational distribution. Worldwide spread is possible.

Keywords

• Apicomplexa
• protozoa
• polyuria
• depression
• torticollis
• encephalitis