Pathology and parasitology of free-ranging coyotes from Tennessee and South Carolina

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318645
• Publication Date: 2025-02-10T18:43:58Z
• Authors: Eliza Baker; Michelle Dennis; Debra Miller; Chunlei Su; Alexa Rosypal von...; Mohamed A. Abouel...; Sarah A. Hamer; Alex Jensen; Richard Gerhold
• Keywords: Veterinary parasitology; Parasitology; Paratenic; Sarcoptes scabiei; Mange; Lungworm; Trichinella

Coyotes are exposed to many parasites and pathogens of veterinary zoonotic concern. To assess the prevalence diseases caused by these microbes, we opportunistically obtained coyote samples from a variety sources including GPS collaring study, rabies testing facilities, wildlife resources agents, road-side mortalities. We performed necropsies, serological testing, fecal flotations, molecular analyses on coyotes Tennessee South Carolina. Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) infected 46% (41/89) was associated with eosinophilic alveolitis arteritis. Paragonimus kellicotti, lung fluke, found in 24% (17/71) coyotes, one extrapulmonary infection affecting liver lymph nodes. Trichinella spp., nematode, present 17% (12/71) but not muscular inflammation. Sarcoptes scabiei, causative agent sarcoptic mange, detected coyote. Most (86% [90/105]) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii, while 8.5% (9/106) Trypanosoma cruzi, an emerging zoonotic, vector-borne parasite. This study demonstrated that commonly numerous affect people pets excellent sentinels diseases.