
Ducks, geese, and other birds. Mammals and reptiles can also be infected.
Affected birds have cream-colored cysts resembling rice grains in the breast, heart, and leg muscles.
Cysts may feel gritty when cut with a knife.
No. There is no known risk to humans.
There is no known risk to humans.
There is no known risk to humans.
No. Pets may play a role in the transmission of parasites to birds. Do not feed infected carcasses to pets.
A protozoan parasite in the genus Sarcocystis. There are a variety of Sarcocystis species.