The Richness of Sarcocystis Species in the Common Gull (Larus canus) and Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) from Lithuania

The common gull (Larus canus) and the black-headed ridibundus) are waterbird species in Lithuania. Until now, composition of Sarcocystis these birds was unknown. current study aimed to identify spp. by morphological examination sarcocysts found muscle tissues DNA sequence analysis. Between 2011 2019, leg muscles 42 gulls 63 were tested for Based on methylene blue staining squashed samples, detected six (14.3%) (9.5%). Under a light microscope, one type microcyst observed. Sarcocysts thread-like (2860–8250 × 40–180 μm) had smooth thin (0.8–1.4 cyst wall, while bradyzoites banana-shaped 5.0–9.2 1.3–2.4 μm size. sequencing complete ITS1 showed presence S. columbae, halieti wobeseri columbae gull. highest intraspecific genetic variability established halieti, which is characterized wide host range. This considered be pathogenic, therefore further histopathological various organs needed.