A comparative study between enteric parasites of Coyotes in a protected and suburban habitat

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have inhabited Florida (USA) since the 1960s and are currently found throughout the state. Our objective was to obtain information on enteric parasites of coyotes from two different habitats. Fresh coyote fecal samples were collected from protected and suburban habitats in Pinellas County, Florida, USA (27^o54′ N, 82^o41′W) from May 2005 to March 2007. A standard fecal flotation examination and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation protocol were utilized on fecal samples from both habitats. Five newly documented coyote parasites were documented: one cestode (Hymenolepis spp.), one nematode (Ascaris spp.), and three protozoa (Balantidium coli, Blastocystis spp., and Entamoeba histolytica). Nine hitherto unreported parasites for FL coyotes were also discovered: two cestodes (Diphyllobothrium latum and Dipylidium caninum), two nematodes (Toxocara canis and Uncinaria stenocephala), one trematode (Paragonimus spp.), and four protozoa (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia canis, Cystoisospora spp., and Sarcocystis cruzi). The protected area supported significantly more undocumented (i.e., newly identified) parasites for FL coyotes, and Protozoa as compared to the suburban area. Florida coyotes are likely more susceptible to infection by novel parasites because of their rapid range expansion and lack of acquired immunity. In addition, rapid habitat loss and urbanization in Florida may increase the probability of disease transmission between wild and domestic canids. We suggest preventative measures that may lower the risk of parasitic infection and promote co-existence with coyotes in urban landscapes.