Coccidial Infections in the Badger Meles taxus L

Abstract

In continuation of our investigations on the relationship between the various Coccidia living in man and carnivorous animals (dog, cat, fox, etc.), we have had the opportunity of examining the intestines of several badgers, Meles taxus, which died in the Zoological Gardens, Budapest. These examinations revealed in a number of cases the occurrence of Coccidia belonging to both Eimeridae and Diplosporidae. In order to eliminate the possibility of these coccidial infections having been derived from other animals (fox, dog, cat), kept in close proximity with the badgers, it was found necessary to determine whether such infections also occur in badgers living under natural conditions. With the kind help of Prof. Raitsits, head of the ambulatory clinics of our College, we succeeded in obtaining a young specimen of Meles taxus, which not only harboured Coccidia, but subsequently served as an experimental animal for various cross-infections.