Abstract
Purpose
There is scant information on the coccidia of the gray-collared chipmunk (Neotamias cinereicollis). In this work, two species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) infecting gray-collared chipmunks were identified.
Methods
Twenty-seven gray-collared chipmunks were captured and released at Pivot Rock Canyon, Arizona, USA and their feces were examined for coccidia. Sporulated oöcysts were measured and photographed using differential interference contrast microscopy.
Results
The oöcysts of two Eimeria species were identified: E. callospermophili Henry, 1932, and E. vilasi Dorney, 1962.
Conclusion
This is the first report of E. vilasi and E. callospermophili in gray-collared chipmunks and the first time the latter coccidian has been reported from any species of chipmunk.
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Acknowledgements
The research was possible thanks to scientific collecting license SP402447 issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the permission of the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office. Mara D. Giles assisted with fieldwork.
Funding
Supported by Midwestern University College of Graduate Studies intramural research funds 30-2022-8142.
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The protocol for this study (MWU #2961) was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Midwestern University.
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Hnida, J.A. First Report of Eimeria callospermophili and Eimeria vilasi in the Gray-Collared Chipmunk (Neotamias cinereicollis) from North Central Arizona, USA. Acta Parasit. 67, 1035–1038 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-022-00538-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-022-00538-0