Duck Parasites?

[Hoovey]

As I was breasting out my ducks this weekend, I noticed something odd with two of the Mallards. The breast was dotted with white lines that at first looked like pin feathers. These white objects were embedded in the breast and were soft when I dug them out with a knife. Has anyone seen this before or has any ideas what this could be? I wasn't sure if they were parasites or what, so I opted not to keep the meat on those two ducks.

[Guest]

Sounds like you ran into a case of "rice breast". As far as I know it is a parasite but is not harmful as long as you cut it off and cook the meat thoroughly. If I ever shoot a duck with this parasite it will probably be cat food.

[Hoovey]

"Rice Breast" is a pretty good description of what it looked like. Yes, I think I will pass on eating those in the future as well.

[Hoovey]

Bogsucker,

Yep...that's exactly what it looked like. Thanks for the info.

[Bogsucker]

cHECK OUT THIS HSOforum FOR MORE INFO.

http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/wildlife/region5/guide/muscle3.htm