Eimeria chihuahuaensis sp.n. and other coccidia from Dipodomys spp. in El Paso County, Texas

Dipodomys merriami Mearns and Dipodomys ordi Woodhouse were surveyed for coccidia in El Paso County, Texas. Infections with Eimeria chobotari, Eimeria dipodomysis and Eimeria balphae were 24.8%, 4.4%, and 11%, respectively, for D. ordi. Dipodomys merriami had an infection level of 23.8% with E. chobotari. Four animals concurrently harbored E. chobotari and E. balphae or E. dipodomysis or a new species Eimeria chihuahuaensis. Male and female host infection levels were not significantly different. The new species is described and photographs of 3 previously described Eimeria from Dipodomys are presented.