Lungworms in coyotes on the Great Plains

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Canine Health

Background:

• Lungworm infections pose a significant health concern for wildlife populations.
• Understanding the prevalence of specific lungworm species is crucial for wildlife management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Filaroides osleri and Capillaria aerophila in coyotes across eight central US states.
• To identify geographical variations in lungworm infection rates.

Main Methods:

• Field examinations of 395 coyotes (Canis latrans) for lungworm presence.
• Laboratory analysis of 60 trachea and bronchial trees for detailed parasite identification.
• Data collection from coyotes across Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and Kansas.

Main Results:

• 49% of coyotes examined were infected with at least one lungworm species.
• Filaroides osleri cysts were found in 17% of coyotes, primarily in the trachea.
• Capillaria aerophila infections were identified in 38% of coyotes, indicated by excess bronchial mucus.
• Nearly 6% of coyotes were co-infected with both lungworm species.
• Capillaria infections were consistently present in over 30% of coyotes at all study sites.

Conclusions:

• Lungworm infections, particularly Capillaria aerophila, are highly prevalent in central US coyote populations.
• Geographical variations in Filaroides osleri prevalence were noted, with lower rates in Iowa and Kansas.
• The study highlights the widespread impact of these lungworm species on coyote health.