Prevalence of Sarcocystis in grackles in Maryland

One hundred and fifty-nine grackles (Quiscalus Quiscula) in Maryland were examined grossly and microscopically for Sarcocystis sp. Of 98 mature birds, 91 had Sarcocystis. None of 51 juvenile birds and none of 10 birds hatched in the laboratory had Sarcocystis. More mature females had Sarcocystis than did mature males. However, the number of intramuscular cysts (per bird) was greater in male grackles than in females. Both male and female grackles had more infections in the leg and thigh muscles than in breast muscles. No tongue or heart muscles contained Sarcocystis. No seasonal fluctuation in the number of infected birds was apparent.