Genera and species that cause coccidiosis Genus Isospora is the most common cause of intestinal coccidiosis in dogs and cats. . Genus Eimeria affects birds such as poultry and mammals such as cattle and rabbits. . Genus Cryptosporidium contains two species known to cause cryptosporidiosis, C.
Where is coccidia found?
Coccidia are tiny single-celled parasites that live in the wall of your dog's intestine. They are found more often in puppies, but they can also infect older dogs and cats. Dogs become infected by swallowing soil that contains coccidia or other substances in the environment that may contain dog feces.
Are coccidia species specific?
Coccidia are host-specific, and there is no cross-immunity between species of coccidia. Coccidiosis is seen universally, most commonly in young animals housed or confined in small areas contaminated with oocysts.
Do raccoons carry coccidia?
Clinical coccidiosis was diagnosed in wild-caught and captive raccoons. Eimeria procyonis-like oocysts were seen in 15 of 15 captive raccoons. In 6 of 6 juvenile wild-caught raccoons examined at necropsy, endogenous coccidian stages were seen in the small intestine.
Do all cats carry coccidia?
There are several species of these tiny parasites that are found in cats and other mammals, and some species are contagious to humans. The good news is that healthy adult cats rarely get sick with coccidia, and most cats can beat coccidia infections on their own without treatment.
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