Canine Heartworms in coyotes in Illinois Introduction Up until this point little research was made concerning the percentage

of coyotes infected with Canine Heartworm, (a parasitic disease that is commonly found in canids). But no research had been done concerning the health, reproduction, and possible transmission of this disease to domestic dogs until now. When the researchers were asked why they chose to research this topic they responded: We initiated this study to better define the effects of heartworm parasitism on the ecology and population dynamic of Illinois coyotes regionally and statewide. (Nelson, 2003) The objective of the researchers was too ultimately understand the intensity (average amount) of heartworms that are found in coyotes in the state of Illinois, and the adverse effects that Canine Heartworms have on them. Another goal was to better understand how the populations of coyotes are affected by this disease, and also to see if infected coyotes play a big part in the transmission of this disease to local dogs. The intents of the this research were to prove that Canine Heartworms effect the reproduction and overall health of coyotes and that they are plausible transmitters of this disease to domestic dogs. Materials and Methods In order to receive the statistical information of this research project, researchers began by gathering 920 carcasses of coyotes with the help of local hunters, trappers and fur buyers. Afterwards these carcasses were meticulously sorted according to the age and sex of the coyote to investigate the differences in bone marrow, skinned body weight, fur condition, and the amount of Canine Heartworms found in the carcasses of theses coyotes. Next, researchers flushed the pulmonary artery of the hearts for three minutes looking for heartworms and

afterwards they dissected these lungs to get any remaining heartworms to get the final count. In order to get reproduction statistics, all of the female coyotes placentals were checked for scars that indicated whether or not they were breeders. Results Research indicated that of the 920 coyotes that were inspected, roughly 16 percent of them had adult heartworms. Infected and non infected coyotes showed little to no difference in bone marrow and mean skinned body weight, however fur quality was greatly different between the two. These results led the researchers to conclude that heartworm disease lightly influences the ecology of coyotes. Our study demonstrates that heavy infections adversely affect fur quality and reduce fecundity of some females, but these effects are small and few coyotes (4.1%) had enough worms to trigger them. (Nelson, 2003) Discussion Prior to the 1980s, coyotes were not considered to be a natural host or important reservoir for heartworms. (Nelson, 2003) Contrary to previous thoughts, results indicated that 16 percent of coyotes are infected with heartworms compared to the 13 percent that is found in domestic dogs who are not on preventative medicine in Illinois. Therefore coyotes can be a plausible transmitter of heartworms to domestic dogs. Researchers were successful in gathering all needing information for their comparisons with the exception of one, due to the lack of heavily infected female coyotes they were unable to get satisfactory results between the fetal rates between heavily and lightly infected female coyotes. After all is said and done Coyote populations have increased in the state of Illinois over the past 20 years, but prevalence and intensity of the disease appear to have changed little in that period. (Nelson, 2003)

Bibliography Nelson, T. (2003). Canine Heartworms in coyotes in Illinois, journal of wildlife diseases, 539-599