Browsing by Author "Watts, Alexander G."

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    Comparing urban and rural parasitism of coyote feces using non-invasive methods in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    (2011) Watts, Alexander G.; Alexander, Shelley M.
    Recent literature suggests that urban coyotes may have higher infection prevalence than rural inhabitants (Bradley and Altizer, 2006). This study was a comparative investiga­tion of differences in coyote gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, intensity, and diversity between urban and rural areas of Calgary, Alberta. Weekly sampling for coyote feces was conducted over one year along transects in independent urban and rural sites. 460 samples were analysed using common fecal flotation techniques. At least fifteen parasite species were recovered. No significant differences in species prevalence existed between ur­ban and rural areas, though some significant differences were identified seasonally among urban and rural sites. Toxascaris leonina had the highest prevalence and intensity in all sites. Parasite species richness was significantly higher in rural areas, while diversity was similar. Differences in parasite prevalence, intensity, diversity, and zoonotic potential were identified among individual sites. Zoonotic risks posed were low. Overall, the simi­lar parasitism patterns suggest presence of environmental reservoirs or range expansion of coyotes among sites.