Molecular identification of Sarcocystis wobeseri-like parasites in a new intermediate host species, the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

A reintroduced white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in moderate body condition was found dead and submitted for post-mortem examination. There were no signs of disease on gross pathological Histopathological examination however revealed the presence encysted protozoan parasites pectoral cardiac muscle sections. Polymerase chain reaction amplification extracted genomic DNA sequencing four regions: 18S rDNA, 28S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1, RNA polymerase B (rpoB) loci, confirmed a Sarcocystis species which appeared phylogenetically similar to wobeseri. This is first report S. wobeseri-like infection revealing new intermediate host this parasite.