First record of Isospora amphiboluri in the thorny devil, Moloch horridus

Abstract

Poor long-term survival (Mean = 2.16 y; 95% CI 1.68–2.65) was identified in a captive population of thorny devils (Moloch horridus) held at the Alice Springs Desert Park in the Northern Territory, Australia, over a period of 27 years. There was no significant difference in survival time (after acquisition) of wild-caught individuals compared captive born animals, or males compared to females. Limited information was available regarding the cause(s) of death for animals found dead or euthanased. Health of the live population at the time of the study (n = 14) was assessed by clinical history review, physical examination, and faecal examination. Large numbers of coccidian oocysts measuring 20–2..