Iranian Veterinary Journal

Iranian Veterinary Journal

Taenia serialis infection in the muscle tissue of a sheep: A case study from an industrial slaughterhouse

Document Type : Case report

Authors
Mohammad Sina Abbaszadeh 1
Aram Sharifi 2
Keyvan Sobhani 3
Soheila Akhzari 4
1 DVM Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
3 PhD Student of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
4 PhD Graduated from Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22055/ivj.2025.522277.2793
Abstract
    Taenia serialis is a parasitic tapeworm typically affecting small mammals, with its presence in sheep being rare and poorly documented. While T. serialis is known to cause neurological Coenurosis in sheep, this pathogen has not been commonly associated with livestock, particularly in muscle tissue. This case report aimed to describe a rare instance of T. serialis infection in the muscle tissue of a sheep, highlight the diagnostic methods used, and discuss the implications of parasitic infections in industrial slaughterhouse settings. A 2.5-year-old ewe, showing no clinical signs, was slaughtered at an industrial slaughterhouse in Sanandaj city. During post-mortem examination, multiple cysts were found in the muscle tissue. DNA extraction and PCR analysis for cox1 gene confirmed the presence of T. serialis, which was further validated through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This case represents an unusual infection of T. serialis in sheep muscle tissue. The absence of clinical symptoms prior to slaughter highlights the importance of post-mortem examinations and molecular diagnostics in detecting parasitic infections. The findings suggest a need for further research on the prevalence and impact of T. serialis in livestock.
Keywords
Taenia serialis
Coenurosis
Sheep
Industrial slaughterhouse

Subjects

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