Chronic myositis in an Australian alpaca (Llama pacos) associated with Sarcocystis spp.

An alpaca (Llama pacos), born and raised in Australia, was presented with multiple subcutaneous abscesses. Histological findings indicated a severe necrotizing and histiocytic myositis and cellulitis associated with central caseation and multiple sarcocysts. Ultrastructural examination supported the diagnosis; however, cyst wall characteristics were not consistent with the 2 known species found in alpacas. While seroconversion in camelids is reported to be near ubiquitous, myositis is rare, and this is the first case reported outside of the Americas.