First report of Eimeria lancasterensis in a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.) in Turkey

A case of coccidiosis in a young, red male squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.) has been described in this report. The squirrel was found dead and presented to the department of pathology for necropsy. A traumatic lesion was observed on the face that could have caused death. At necropsy the large and small intestines were swollen due to fluid and gas. During the examination of gut content numerous coccidia oocysts were observed. After sporulation, the oocysts were identified as those of Eimeria lancasterensis. In the histopathological examination numerous coccidia developmental stages were observed in the epithelium of small intestine. This is the first report of Eimeria lancasterensis identification in squirrels in Turkey.