Coccidia of coyotes in eastern Colorado

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Canid Health

Background:

• Coccidia are common intestinal parasites in wild canids.
• Understanding parasite prevalence in coyotes is crucial for ecosystem health.
• Eastern Colorado coyotes inhabit diverse ecological niches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of coccidia in eastern Colorado coyotes.
• To identify specific coccidian species infecting the coyote population.
• To assess potential sources of parasitic infections in this wildlife population.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 82 coyote fecal samples from eastern Colorado.
• Microscopic examination of fecal samples for coccidian oocysts and sporocysts.
• Identification of coccidian genera and species based on morphological characteristics.

Main Results:

• Sarcocystis sporocysts were detected in 17 out of 82 samples (20.7%).
• Isospora ohioensis oocysts were identified in 2 out of 82 samples (2.4%).
• Eimerian coccidia, likely pseudoparasites, were found in 10 samples (12.2%).

Conclusions:

• Coccidia, particularly Sarcocystis, are prevalent in eastern Colorado coyotes.
• Isospora ohioensis represents a minor parasitic finding in this population.
• Eimerian coccidia in coyotes may indicate ingestion of infected prey, such as rabbits.