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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Effect of short-term coyote removal on populations of coyote helminths.

Coyote (Canis latrans) removal programs often are initiated despite the potential population regulatory mechanism of parasitism with increased coyote density. We investigated the effect of intensive, short-term coyote removal on population levels of helminths in juvenile and adult coyotes from western Texas. Coyotes were killed by aerial gunning every 3 mo for 2 yr on two 5,000 ha areas, which reduced the overall coyote density of these areas by about 50%. Two other 5,000 ha areas were used as comparison sites where a limited number of coyotes were killed each season. Densities on comparison sites remained stable throughout the study at a mean +/- 1 SE of 0.14 +/- 0.01 coyotes/km2. Twelve helminth species consisting of seven nematodes (Ancylostoma caninum, Physaloptera rara, Toxascaris leonina, Dirofilaria immitis, Spirocerca lupi, Oslerus osleri, and Capillaria aerophila), three cestodes (Taenia pisiformis, Taenia multiceps, and Mesocestoides sp.), one acanthocephalan (Oncicola canis), and one trematode (Alaria marcianae) were found in 252 coyotes. Of these, A. caninum, P. rara, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, T. leonina, and S. lupi were common species. Rank-transformed values for the mean abundances of A. caninum and T. multiceps and A. caninum, T. multiceps, and S. lupi were reduced in juvenile and adult coyotes, respectively, from the removal sites compared to respective helminth abundances in similar age class coyotes from comparison sites. Because A. caninum has been suggested as a population regulator of coyotes, a coyote removal program that results in a reduced density of coyotes and at the same time causes a reduced abundance of A. caninum, may in fact negate the regulatory effect that A. caninum has on coyote populations.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Experimental infection of adult and juvenile coyotes with domestic dog and wild coyote isolates of Hepatozoon americanum (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina).

Each of five adult and four juvenile coyotes (Canis latrans) was exposed to an oral dose of 50 Hepatozoon americanum oocysts recovered from Amblyomma maculatum ticks that previously fed on either naturally infected domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) or naturally infected wild coyotes. All coyotes exposed to H. americanum became infected, regardless of isolate source, and all exhibited mild to moderate clinical disease that simulated American canine hepatozoonosis in naturally infected dogs. At 100 days postexposure, parasitemia was greater in juvenile than adult coyotes (0.9% and 0.3%, respectively); radiographic imaging of femurs revealed moderate exostosis in all juveniles and mild to moderate new bone growth in four of five (80%) adult coyotes. Gross postmortem analysis of bone lesions demonstrated variation between age groups of coyotes but not between isolates of H. americanum. Microscopic evaluation of skeletal muscle revealed that parasite-induced lesions were significantly more numerous (t = 5.0, df = 7, P = 0.001) in juvenile than adult coyotes. Results of this study indicate that juvenile and adult coyotes are equally susceptible to experimental infection with H. americanum isolated from domestic dog and wild coyote sources. The age of coyotes at the time of exposure, and possibly the number of H. americanum oocysts ingested, might influence morbidity and mortality, but it appears that both adult and juvenile coyotes could be reservoirs of H. americanum.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Coyotes (Canis latrans) as the reservoir for a human pathogenic Bartonella sp.: molecular epidemiology of Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii infection in coyotes from central coastal California.

Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii was originally isolated from a dog suffering infectious endocarditis and was recently identified as a zoonotic agent causing human endocarditis. Following the coyote bite of a child who developed clinical signs compatible with Bartonella infection in Santa Clara County, Calif., this epidemiological study was conducted. Among 109 coyotes (Canis latrans) from central coastal California, 31 animals (28%) were found to be bacteremic with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii and 83 animals (76%) had B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii antibodies. These findings suggest these animals could be the wildlife reservoir of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the gltA and 16S rRNA genes for these 31 isolates yielded similar profiles that were identical to those of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Partial sequencing of the gltA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively, indicated 99.5 and 100% homology between the coyote isolate and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (ATCC 51672). PCR-RFLP analysis of the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region showed the existence of two different strain profiles, as has been reported in dogs. Six (19%) of 31 Bartonella bacteremic coyotes exhibited the strain profile that was identified in the type strain of a canine endocarditis case (B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii ATCC 51672). The other 25 bacteremic coyotes were infected with a strain that was similar to the strains isolated from healthy dogs. Based on whole bacterial genome analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with SmaI restriction endonuclease, there was more diversity in fingerprints for the coyote isolates, which had at least 10 major variants compared to the two variants described for domestic dog isolates from the eastern United States. By PFGE analysis, three Bartonella bacteremic coyotes were infected by a strain identical to the one isolated from three healthy dog carriers. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mode of transmission of B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, especially to identify potential vectors, and to determine how humans become infected.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in coyotes (Canis latrans) and experimental infections of coyotes with Neospora caninum.

Antibodies to Neospora caninum were detected in 5 (10%) of 52 coyotes from Texas. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 32 (62%) of 52 samples from these same coyotes. Four (80%) of the 5 coyotes that were seropositive for N. caninum also had antibodies to T. gondii. Nineteen (37%) of the coyotes did not have antibodies to either parasite. Three coyote pups were inoculated with the brains from mice infected with 3 strains of N. caninum originally isolated from dogs. None of the pups developed neosporosis or excreted N. caninum oocysts in their feces. The pups developed anti-N. caninum antibody titers of > or = 1:800 but did not develop antibodies to T. gondii. Results of this study indicate that antibodies to T. gondii are more common than antibodies to N. caninum in coyotes. Additionally, young coyotes appear to be resistant to experimental N. caninum infection.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1995

Rapid quantitative determination of cyanide in biological fluids from coyotes killed with a coyote getter.

A number of methods for the determination of cyanide in biological fluids have been published. Many are not really rapid or else rely on elaborate specialized equipment. The method reported here is rapid, uses only inexpensive disposable, and produces a quantitative result within 1 minute on as little as a few drops of blood. Cyanide concentrations found by this method in the blood of coyotes killed by sodium cyanide blasted into the mouth with a snub-nosed gun concealed in bait are given and discussed. Cyanide levels in blood from the left ventricle of the heart were always much higher than those from the right ventricle, and concentrations in the right ventricle were always very close to 700 micrograms/L.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Scent-marking by coyotes, Canis latrans: the influence of social and ecological factors

We observed 49 coyotes, Canis latransfrom five resident packs for 2456 h and five transient coyotes for 51 h from January 1991 to June 1993 in the Lamar River Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A. During these observations we recorded 3042 urinations, 451 defecations, 446 ground scratches and 743 double-marks. The rate of scent-marking (via urination) was influenced by the social organization (resident versus transient) to which the coyote belonged, the social class (alpha, beta or pup) of the animal and the time of the year. Transient coyotes scent-marked at a lower rate than did members of a resident pack. Within the resident packs, alpha coyotes scent-marked at a higher rate than beta coyotes (adults and yearlings subordinant to alphas, but dominant over pups) and pups. Alpha coyotes increased their rate of marking during the breeding season; beta and pup coyotes performed scent-marks at a relatively constant rate throughout the year. There was no influence of social class or time of year on the rate of defecation. The rate of double-marking was highest among alpha coyotes with a peak during the breeding season. Alpha coyotes ground-scratched at a higher rate than did beta and pup coyotes. Alpha and beta coyotes scent-marked more than expected along the periphery of the territory compared to the interior; pups marked in the interior and edge in proportion to expected frequencies. Double-marking and ground-scratching were higher than expected along the periphery of the territory. The distribution of defecations was not different from expected along the edge versus the interior of the territory. Pack size did not influence the rate of scent-marking performed by individuals in the pack or by the alpha pair. We concluded that alpha coyotes were the primary members of the resident pack involved in scent-marking. The large coyote packs and the high rate of marking by the alpha pairs were parallel to the scent-marking behaviour displayed by wolves, C. lupusto a greater extent than previously reported. Scent-marks appear to provide internal information to the members of the resident pack (internal map of territory, breeding condition, reproductive synchrony) and enhance demarcation of territorial boundaries.Copyright 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour1997The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Morbidity-mortality factors and survival of an urban coyote population in Arizona.

The health of coyotes (Canis latrans) in urban areas has not been studied. Our objectives were to assess the health of coyotes in Tucson (Arizona, USA) by determining the prevalence of antibodies to selected pathogens, estimating survival rates, and identifying sources of mortality. We drew blood from 22 coyotes to evaluate the prevalence of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) antigens, and antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), canine parvovirus (CPV), and seven serovars of Leptospira interrogans. We trapped and radiocollared 19 coyotes to determine survival rates. We performed necropsies on 19 coyotes to quantify their general health, the presence of internal and external parasites, and causes of mortality. No coyotes tested positive for heartworm antigens. The prevalence of antibody to CDV, ICH, and CPV was 27, 50, and 100%, respectively. Twenty-seven percent of coyotes tested positive for one of five serovars of L. interrogans. The diseases for which coyotes in Tucson possessed antibodies appear to be enzootic in the population. The annual survival rate of coyotes was 0.72. Eleven necropsied coyotes were killed by cars, five coyotes were hit by cars, two were killed by a trapper, and the cause of death for one coyote was unknown. Coyotes in Tucson appear to be exposed to the viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections common in many coyote populations, but humans are the major source of mortality.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Efficacy of bait distributional strategies to deliver canine rabies vaccines to coyotes in southern Texas.

This study sought to develop a baiting strategy to deliver an oral rabies vaccine to free-ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) in southern Texas. To determine bait longevity, dog foodlard baits were placed (n = 50) on- and off-roads during July 1994 and January 1995. Coyote visitation and uptake rates did not differ between on-road and off-road placement of baits. To evaluate bait stations as possible visual cues, baits were placed out both with (n = 50) and without (n = 50) bait stations. A visual cue of a bait station did not affect coyote response to baits. Bait longevity was shorter during July (< or = 4 days) than January because of consumption of baits by imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). The effect of two different bait densities on coyote acceptance rates was determined on six 93.5 km2 study areas in southern Texas. Three study areas received a bait density of 19 baits/km2 (50 baits/mi2) and the remaining three study areas received 58 baits/km2 (150 baits/mi2). Coyote bait uptake rates, based upon the proportion of coyotes marked with either tetracycline hydrochloride or rhodamine B or both, were 83% (n = 99 coyotes) and 87% (n = 101 coyotes) for the 19 and 58 baits/km2 densities, respectively. Bait uptake rates did not differ (P > 0.54) between the two bait densities. Rodents and rabbits, which were fed baits containing tetracycline hydrochloride and a simulated oral rabies vaccine sachet containing rhodamine B, did consume the bait but not the rhodamine B sachet. These animals then were killed and fed to captive coyotes (n = 9). Canine teeth were extracted from coyotes and processed for tetracycline determination. Each coyote tested negative for tetracycline. Therefore, it was unlikely that coyote bait consumption rates were overestimated because of coyotes secondarily marking themselves by ingesting prey items that consumed baits.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1982

Induced Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara canis, and Isospora canis infections in coyotes.

Six littermate laboratory-raised coyotes (No. 1-6) were used to study the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii from cats and mice, and Toxocara canis and Isospora canis from dogs and mice. Coyotes 1 and 2 were inoculated orally with 1,000 infective oocysts of the TC-1 strain of T gondii; coyotes 3 and 4 were fed mice infected with tissue cysts of the TC-1 strain of T gondii. Eight days after inoculation with T gondii, the same 4 coyotes were exposed to Toxocara canis: coyotes 1 and 2 were inoculated orally with 500 embryonated eggs, and coyotes 3 and 4 were fed mice infected with Toxocara canis. Fifteen days after exposure to Toxocara canis, the same 4 coyotes were fed mice infected with I canis. Two coyotes (No. 5 and 6) did not receive any organism and they served as controls. All 4 inoculated coyotes remained clinically normal but became infected with all 3 organisms. Toxoplasma gondii was recovered from the brain, heart, diaphragm, and muscles of limbs of coyotes killed 49 and 66 days after inoculation with oocysts, but only from muscles of limbs of coyote 4, killed at 84 days, and from the brain and muscles of limbs of coyote 3, killed at 72 days after feeding infected mice. Control coyotes did not acquire any of the 3 infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Validation for use with coyotes (Canis latrans) of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Dirofilaria immitis.

Serological tests offer a potentially powerful tool for monitoring parasites in wildlife populations. However, such tests must be validated before using them with target wildlife populations. We evaluated in coyotes (Canis latrans) the performance of a commercially available serological test used to detect canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in domestic dogs. We obtained 265 coyote carcasses and serological specimens from 54 additional coyotes from several regions of California, USA. We necropsied coyotes to determine the adult heartworm infection status. Blood was collected at necropsy on filter paper strips and allowed to dry; it was later eluted in a buffer solution, and the supernatant was tested for heartworm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess discriminatory power of the test and indicated a 93% probability that a randomly selected infected coyote would exhibit a higher enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) value than a randomly selected uninfected coyote. We estimated specificity at 96% (95% CI: 92-98%) for 165 uninfected coyotes and sensitivity at 85% (77-91%) for 100 infected coyotes, results similar to published values for the commercial serological test used with dog serum or plasma. Test performance was similar for filter paper specimens and supernatant of frozen whole blood collected in EDTA tubes (i.e. hemolyzed plasma). We found no difference in test performance among geographic or demographic coyote groups. Our findings support application of the test to filter paper or standard serological specimens for detection of heartworm in coyote populations.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Responses of captive and free-ranging coyotes to simulated oral rabies vaccine baits.

The objective of this study was to develop a bait for delivering an oral rabies vaccine to free-ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) in southern Texas. Captive trials were conducted from January to April, 1994, to determine bait preferences and behavioral responses of coyotes (n = 42) to selected baits and attractants. Baits were hollow rectangular cubes made of polymer dog food or fish meal. Attractants had sweet (watermelon), fruity (raspberry), sulfurous (synthetic WU), and lard (beef lard) fragrances. Captive coyotes did not exhibit a preference for either bait bases or attractants; however, coyotes chewed dog food baits 1.6 times more than fish meal baits. Average proximity of coyotes eliciting a response to baits was 2.2 +/- 1.3 m (mean +/- SE). Captive coyotes readily accepted dog food baits containing 2 ml of liquid rhodamine B, a biological marker. Rhodamine B staining of the oropharyngeal region was evident in each captive coyote. Results from the field evaluation of baits and attractants were consistent with that of the captive trials. Of 2,070 bait station-nights conducted from February to April, 1994, coyotes comprised the greatest single species visitation and uptake rates with 31% and 28%, respectively. Bait uptake rates of free-ranging coyotes did not differ among bait-attractant combinations. Coyotes took baits 93% of the time they encountered a bait, regardless of bait type.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Serologic and molecular evidence of Ehrlichia spp. in coyotes in California.

In order to determine the role of coyotes in the epidemiology of granulocytic and monocytic ehrlichial agents in California (USA), we tested 149 serum samples for antibodies against Ehrlichia equi, E. risticii, and E. canis, using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to survey for the presence of members of the E. phagocytophila genogroup, E. risticii and E. canis in blood samples of 95 coyotes. Sixty-eight (46%) samples were seropositive for E. equi, two (1%) for E. risticii and none of the samples had antibodies reactive to E. canis. Two and one coyote were positive for E. risticii and members of the E. phagocytophila genogroup by PCR assay, respectively. In contrast, the 95 samples were negative for E. canis by PCR. Ninety-five percent of the 68 E. equi seropositive coyotes and the one coyote PCR positive for members of the E. phagocytophila genogroup originated from a coastal area. However, the two E. risticii seropositive coyotes and the two coyotes PCR positive for E. risticii were from northern California. Sequence analysis of the three amplified PCR products revealed the agent to be similar in two coyotes to the sequences of E. risticii from horses originating from northern California and identical in one coyote to the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis and E. equi from California. Thus, coyotes are exposed to granulocytic ehrlichiae and E. risticii and may play a role in the epidemiology of these ehrlichial agents in California.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

A new flavor-coated sachet bait for delivering oral rabies vaccine to raccoons and coyotes.

Research was conducted during 1996-2000 to develop baits for delivering an oral rabies vaccine to raccoons (Procyon lotor) and coyotes (Canis latrans). A bait was sought that: (1) was attractive to the target species, (2) could be distributed by aircraft, (3) was as effective (or more so) than the currently used fish meal polymer bait, and (4) could be produced in large numbers by automated procedures and could be purchased by user groups at substantially lower cost. Ten field trials were conducted to document raccoons' bait flavor preferences, evaluate a new vaccine sachet bait coated with various attractants, and determine if the sachet bait would effectively deliver Raboral V-RG oral rabies vaccine (Merial Limited, Athens, Georgia, USA) to this species. Raccoons preferred fish and crustacean-based flavors over those derived from plant materials. Raccoon visits to tracking stations, frequency of bait removals, and percent of sachets discarded by this species that were emptied of placebo vaccine indicated efficacy of the new bait was equal or superior to the currently used fish meal polymer bait. A field trial conducted in fall 1998 compared aerially distributed vaccine-laden sachet and polymer baits and showed there was no difference between the percent of raccoons from the test and reference areas subsequently found positive for rabies antibody. Four bait trials to determine coyote response to sachet baits were conducted in 1997-98. The propensity for canids to gulp or bolt smaller food items is well known. Thus, a first trial involved offering fish-flavored sachet baits of different sizes to 30 captive coyotes to determine if smaller size baits were more frequently swallowed intact. Two field trials were also conducted in fall 1997 to determine if free-ranging coyotes discriminated among sachet baits coated with different attractants. Finally, Raboral V-RG-laden poultry-flavored sachet baits were aerially dropped and the percent of seropositive coyotes was compared with coyotes from surrounding areas where fish meal polymer vaccine baits had been distributed. Captive coyotes did not swallow sachet baits intact, regardless of size. Bait preference field trials indicated that coyotes preferred poultry, cheese/beef tallow, and fish-flavored sachet baits and that such baits were taken at the same rate as polymer baits. A sample of coyotes from the area baited with vaccine-laden sachet baits had a markedly higher (P = 0.01) seropositivity rate than coyotes from areas where vaccine was distributed in polymer baits. Sachet bait production could be facilitated by automated technology and sachet baits used either as an alternative vaccine delivery device or in combination with the fish meal polymer bait.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Epizootic canine rabies transmitted by coyotes in south Texas.

Prior to 1988, rabies was reported only sporadically in coyotes. However, in the final 4 months of 1988, Starr County, Tex, which is situated on the US-Mexico border, experienced an epizootic of canine rabies, consisting of 6 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies in coyotes and of 2 cases in domestic dogs. The first 3 cases were detected in coyotes, and the first case in a domestic dog was observed 84 days after the index case. Adjacent Hidalgo County reported 9 cases of rabies in dogs during the same time that rabid dogs were being reported in Starr County. In 1989, the epizootic primarily involved dogs: 15 dogs in Starr County and 19 dogs in Hidalgo County. Five rabid coyotes were reported in Starr County in 1989, and 1 rabid coyote was reported from Hidalgo County. In 1990, rabies was reported in 3 coyotes and in 31 dogs in Starr County; cases were not detected in Hidalgo County. During 1991, the epizootic expanded approximately 160 km northward, resulting in laboratory-confirmed cases in 42 coyotes and 25 dogs in 10 counties. In 1992, Webb and Willacy Counties became involved; 70 rabid coyotes and 41 rabid dogs were reported in 1992 from the 12-county area. During the first 6 months of 1993, there were 31 rabid coyotes and 38 rabid dogs reported from the same 12 south Texas counties. In May 1993, a raccoon infected with the canine rabies ecotype was reported from Cameron County. Antigenic and genetic analysis revealed the virus ecotype affecting dogs and coyotes to be that associated with urban canine rabies along the US-Mexico border.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Serologic survey for canine infectious diseases among sympatric swift foxes (Vulpes velox) and coyotes (Canis latrans) in southeastern Colorado.

Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are sympatric canids distributed throughout many regions of the Great Plains of North America. The prevalence of canid diseases among these two species where they occur sympatrically is presently unknown. From January 1997 to January 2001, we collected blood samples from 89 swift foxes and 122 coyotes on the US Army Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, Las Animas County, SE Colorado (USA). Seroprevalence of antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV) was 71% for adult (> 9 mo old) and 38% for juvenile (< or = 9 mo old) swift foxes. Adult (<1 yr old) and juvenile (<1 yr old) coyotes had a seroprevalence for CPV of 96% and 78%, respectively. Presence of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV) was 5% for adult foxes and 0% for juvenile foxes. Seroprevalence of CDV was 46% for adult coyotes and 18% for juvenile coyotes. No swift foxes had canine adenovirus (CAV) antibodies, whereas 81% and 63% of adult and juvenile coyotes, respectively, had antibodies for CAV. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Yersinia pestis was 68% among adult foxes and 34% among juvenile swift foxes. Seroprevalence of Y. pestis antibodies was 90% and 70% for adult and juvenile coyotes, respectively. No swift foxes had antibodies against Francisella tularensis, whereas seroprevalence was 4% among both adult and juvenile coyotes. Antibodies against CPV and plague were common in both species, whereas antibodies against CDV and CAV were more prevalent in coyotes compared to swift foxes.

Adenoviridae Infections↗
PubMed1986

Experimentally induced Histoplasma capsulatum infection in coyotes and a dog.

Captive coyotes (Canis latrans) were inoculated intragastrically (1 coyote), and intratracheally (6 coyotes) with Histoplasma capsulatum to simulate natural routes of exposure. In addition, the infectious organism was inoculated IV into another coyote and into a dog (C familiaris) to simulate hematogenous dissemination of H capsulatum. Isolation of the pathogen from various tissue specimens, using direct plating and mouse inoculation methods, provided mycologic evidence of infection. The presence of anti-Histoplasma serum antibodies also was monitored. Of the 6 coyotes challenged intratracheally, one developed a benign pulmonary form of histoplasmosis. This coyote developed a transient cough, and intracellular yeasts typical of H capsulatum were observed microscopically in pulmonary tissue specimens. The pathogen was isolated from specimens of pulmonary tissue and associated lymph nodes. The coyote that was fed Histoplasma-infected mice (intragastric challenge) did not develop clinical disease. The coyote and the dog inoculated IV developed a multifocal, nonsuppurative infection, without clinical evidence of histoplasmosis. Pathologic findings in the coyote and dog were similar; both animals had splenitis, lymphadenitis, and petechiation of the lungs. The liver and spleen were considered the primary extrapulmonary target organs on the basis of mycologic and histologic findings.

Animals↗
PubMed2007

Evaluation of four serological techniques to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the performance and agreement of serological assays (ELISA, IFAT, Neospora caninum agglutination test and immunoblot) using reference sera and field sera from foxes and coyotes and (2) to estimate the N. caninum seroprevalence in foxes and coyotes on Prince Edward Island, Canada. With fox and coyote reference sera the test performance of the ELISA, IFAT and IB was excellent (100% sensitivity and specificity). NAT showed a low sensitivity (50%). Serum was collected from 201 coyotes and 271 foxes. The seroprevalence observed in the different assays ranged from 0.5 to 14.0% in coyotes and 1.1 to 34.8% in foxes. The seroprevalence, when taking more than one test positive as cut-off value was 3.3 and 1.1% for coyotes and foxes, respectively. From the N. caninum-positive group, all coyotes were older than 3 years. Agreement among assays (measured as prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa) using the field sera ranged from 0.17 to 0.97. Best agreement was observed between ELISA and IFAT, poor agreement was observed between NAT and the other assays. Positive agreement was moderate to poor among all assays utilized in this study. Although the seroprevalence observed was low, N. caninum antibodies are present in foxes and coyotes on Prince Edward Island (PEI) and their role in the N. caninum epidemiology needs further study.

Agglutination Tests↗