Two Eimeria species isolated from wild Japanese rock ptarmigans (Lagopus mutus japonicus) in Japan

Abstract

Fecal samples were collected from 64 Japanese rock ptarmigans (Lagopus mutus japonicus) at 13 locations in the alpine zone of Japan and examined for internal parasites. We found 2 morphologically different types of eimerian oocysts. Based on morphological characteristics, one was identified as Eimeria uekii, which had already been found from Japanese rock ptarmigans in 1981, and the other was likely a new type of Eimeria. The new type of eimerian oocysts required a longer sporulation time than E. uekii. The prevalence of both eimerian oocysts in Japanese rock ptarmigans was 62.5%, while that of E. uekii was 60.9% and the new type 29.7%. Mixed infection of both types was found in 28.1%.