Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease of the intestinal tract. This disease is spread from animal to animal by contact with infected feces. Oocysts are left in the fecal material where they take 12-36 hours to mature into the infective state. Since the oocyst becomes infective so fast it is recommended to remove stool as quickly as possible to prevent further spread in the environment. Coccidia infection is common in young animals housed in groups (in shelters, rescue areas, kennels, etc.) This is a common parasite and is not necessarily a sign of poor husbandry. Signs of coccidian infection includes diarrhea with or without blood.
Infected Oocysts can also be swallowed by mice, flies, cockroaches or other insects. A dog or cat can be infected by eating another animal that is carrying an oocyst.
Diagnosing coccidia requires a stool sample, ideally fresh, to be identified via microscopic examination. When puppies and kittens are brought in for their first vaccines a stool sample, intestinal parasite test, is checked for intestinal parasite adults, eggs (ova), and, in this case, oocysts
Public Health Concern
The coccidian species specific to dogs and cats are not infective to people.