Sarcocystis and related organisms in Australian Wildlife: IV. Studies on Sarcocystis cuniculi in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

The role of the cat (Felis domestica) as a definitive host for Sarcocystis cuniculi of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was confirmed. It was shown that after dosing with sporocysts from cats, rabbits developed sarcocysts and these became infective for cats at not less than 93 days post-infection (p.i.). The earliest infection detected was at 142 days p.i. Infected muscle from an experimental rabbit did not transmit Sarcocystis when fed to other rabbits. Microscopically, sarcocysts in European rabbits (O. cuniculus) were morphologically indistinguishable from those in cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus).