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, estima ting survival rates, and identifying sources of mortality. We drew blood fr om 22 coyotes to evaluate the prevalence of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) antigens, and antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), infectious canin e hepatitis (ICH), canine parvovirus (CPV), and seven serovars of Leptospir a interrogans. We trapped and radiocollared 19 coyotes to determine surviva l rates. We performed necropsies on 19 coyotes to quantify their general he alth, the presence of internal and external parasites, and causes of mortal ity. No coyotes tested positive for heartworm antigens. The prevalence of a ntibody to CDV, ICH, and CPV was 27, 50, and 100%, respectively. Twenty-sev en percent of coyotes tested positive for one of five serovars of L. interr ogans. 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 coyot e was unknown. Coyotes ill Tucson appear to be exposed to the viral, bacter ial, and parasitic infections common in many coyote populations, but humans are the major source of mortality.