A suspected case of sarcocystis encephalitis in sheep

Abstract Progressive weakness of the front legs in two yearling lambs was associated with severe non-suppurative meningoencephalitis. Many clumps of organisms morphologically resembling protozoan schizonts were scattered throughout the brain stem. Mature sarcocysts were also observed in the brain of both sheep and were seen in large numbers in the Mm. supraspinatus of one. The relationship between the clinical signs, the neuropathological findings and the heavy sarcocyst infestation in the muscles is discussed.