Sarcocystosis, or ‘rice breast’ disease of ducks, is caused by the parasite Sarcocystis spp and seems to be on the rise in the UK. The parasite has a relatively complex life cycle using birds as an intermediate host and carnivores as the end host. Within birds in later stages of infection the parasite creates cysts throughout the muscles, in particular the breast and leg, which look like grains of rice.
Mallard, wigeon and teal are the three most commonly reported species to be infected. However, this might just be because they are the most commonly shot.
You can find more information, including details on how to submit sightings on the project website.
Sarcocystis in birds is not thought to pose a risk to human health as cooking kills all stages of the parasite. However, it is not recommended to eat infected birds, nor to feed them to dogs.
The UK Wildfowl Sarcocystis Survey assists in monitoring the prevalence of the disease over time in the UK and better understand which bird species are affected and any impacts it may be having.
Wildfowlers are well placed to look out for this disease and report likely cases as the pathology is quite striking. If you are a wildfowler and find ducks or geese with what looks like rice breast disease please report cases using the survey form http://www.sarcocystissurvey.org.uk/survey-form/.
Please use one form per case. If you are willing to save some affected tissues for further analysis that would be especially useful, please see the details on the form.
The 2023 Sarcocystis monitoring report is now available to read, detailing findings from data submitted during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 wildfowling seasons. Read the report in full here.
For further information on rice breast disease, contact monitoring@basc.org.uk.
The UK Wildfowl Sarcocystis Survey is run by BASC.
Wildfowling Permit Scheme Exclusive to BASC members, this scheme provides shooting opportunities for those members wishing to experience wildfowling in different parts of the country or even to get their first taste of the sport. BASC-affiliated wildfowling clubs and other organisations provide scheme details to BASC, who produce the Wildfowling Permit
Wildfowling Liaison Committee If people would like to contact members of the BASC Wildfowling Liaison Committee (WLC) please see the below list of WLC members and a contact email at the foot of the page. Alasdair Mitchell – Chairman. Ian Coghill – Council Member. Robin Marshall Ball – Council Member
Wildfowling Clubs & Links Central Leicestershire Wildfowlers Association Newark & District Wildfowlers’ Association East Alde and Ore Wildfowlers’ Association Alkborough Wildfowlers & Conservationists Anglian Wildfowlers Association Barton on Humber Wildfowlers Club Beccles Wildfowlers Club Blackwater Wildfowlers Association Blakeney & District Wildfowlers Association Canvey Wildfowling & Conservation Association Colchester Wildfowling &
