Naturally ocurring Eimeria infections in Iberian ibex (Capra pyreinaca) from North East Spain (Aragón)

Abstract

Species of the genus Eimeria are considered specific parasitic protozoa that mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract of a wide variety of mammalian species, causing clinical or subclinical diseases with important consequences for the population. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in the different provinces of Aragón, and in some populations of stray-feral goats within the same area. A total of 182 samples faecal samples were collected from adult and young animals. The coprological analysis of each sample was carried out based on the quantification of oocysts and the identification of the different species of Eimeria. The results obtained showed the presence of Eimeria spp. in approximately 70% of the samples and the two Eimeria species more frequently found were E. ninakohlyakimovae and E. arloingi. The prevalence of the parasite was variable depending on the sampling area, with Huesca being the province with a higher level of oocyst excretion. Young Iberian ibex showed slightly higher OPG counts than adults in Huesca but, in the other two provinces no differences were observed between adults and young animals in terms of faecal oocyst load. Except for some morphological distinct Eimeria oocysts exclusively found in Iberian ibex, the frequency, the intensity of infection and the most abundant Eimeria species were approximately the same in stray-feral goats and in Iberian ibex. The data obtained in the present study have been a contribution to previous publications in Spain about parasites in Capra pyrenaica, allowing for a more solid and consistent conclusion