ENTERIC COCCIDIA (APICOMPLEXA) IN THE SMALL-INTESTINE OF THE NORTHERNSPOTTED OWL (STRIX-OCCIDENTALIS-CAURINA)

Sporulated oocysts (mean dimensions = 13.0 x 10.8 mum) and sporocysts (11.3 x 5.5 mum) of a coccidian resembling Frenkelia sp. or Sarcocysti s sp. were present in the lamina propria of the small intestine of a n aturally-infected northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) co llected near Medford, Oregon (USA). Dimensions of these oocysts and sp orocysts appear to be considerably smaller than those from other sarco cystid species with avian definitive hosts. Additionally, numerous dev elopmental stages and unsporulated oocysts (mean dimensions 22.8 x 17. 8 mum) of a possible species of Isospora also were observed in the int estinal epithelium. This constitutes the first report of enteric cocci dia from spotted owls. Neither parasite appeared to cause the death of the bird.