Here in the shelter we have had first-hand experience with this nasty amoeba-like parasite which attacks the stomach and digestive tract of many animals. Coccidia is NOT species-specific, which means that it can be spread from to one animal to another. Coccidia is mostly seen in pet store ferrets and animal shelters. (Puppy mills and animal pounds are famous for it). Symptoms are usually severe diarrhea with weight loss, dehydration, poor coat, lethargy and sometimes lack of appetite. The younger animals affected by it will sometimes only have diarrhea, which is often misdiaganosed as change of diet, stress or distemper. A simple fecal test can let you know if your pet has coccidia. This parasite attacks the lining of the digestive tract and does a great deal of damage to the stomach and intestines. ALBON is the wormer/antibiotic that vets use to treat coccidia. The usual treatment is ALBON given orally for 10-14 days, with a repeat fecal test to determine if the parasite is no longer present. Coccidia is a difficult, sturdy parasite that actually is not killed by ALBON, but instead it is only stunned so that the animal can pass the parasite when it poops. It can be spread by contact - which can then be passed to another pet if they share the same litter box. It is transmitted by feces. If you have an infected pet, the animal should not come in contact with other pets, as grooming (licking) and direct contact can spread it. BLEACH is the best disinfectant to use for coccidia. Litter boxes should be cleaned frequently and wiped out with a bleach solution ( 1 oz bleach for 8 oz water). Bedding, towels and other pet bedding should be changed and washed frequently. Cages should be wiped with a bleach solution also. Hands should be washed each time after contact with the pet or the pet's bedding. The infected pet can recover if treated promptly and correctly. Humans CANNOT "catch" coccidia, but it can be spread between ferrets, cats, dogs and other small animals. Coccidia is a pain in the butt, but not usually life-threatening (unless left untreated, which results in dehydration and bad health). Hugs and dooks, Marlene B. /RFRL / www.rfrl.net [Posted in FML issue 4555]