Encephalitis Caused by Sarcocystis falcatula-like Organisms in a White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba)

A 23-year-old white cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was examined because of severe muscle wasting and acute onset of ataxia and right head tilt. Results of diagnostic tests were inconclusive, and the bird died despite supportive care and empirical treatment. Results of necropsy and histopathologic examination revealed cysts within skeletal and cardiac muscle, meronts (schizonts) within cerebellar tissue, and encephalitis caused by infection with Sarcocystis falcatula-like organisms.