First report of Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sporocysts in the intestine of the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) in USA.

Sarcocystis bovifelis is a cattle parasite for which the domestic cat (Felis catus) is the only confirmed definitive host, and the role of wild felids in its transmission remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the presence and identity of Sarcocystis species in the intestinal tissue of a dead Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from Minnesota, USA, to assess whether this wild felid could serve as a definitive host. Approximately 30 cm of terminal ileum was examined microscopically for sporocysts, and DNA from sporocyst-positive material was assayed using 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA gene markers. Microscopy revealed the presence of Sarcocystis sporocysts, and BLAST analysis of both genetic loci showed 100 % identity with published S. bovifelis sequences. Because only two partial ribosomal markers were available, these results provide strong but not absolute evidence of a S. bovifelis-like parasite. These findings provide the first molecular indication of a S. bovifelis-like parasite in a Canada lynx and suggest, rather than confirm, that wild felids may participate in the natural transmission cycle of this species in the USA. Further studies involving additional wild hosts and broader geographic sampling are needed to confirm prevalence and clarify transmission pathways. This is also the first confirmation of S. bovifelis definitive host in the USA.