New Records of Cryptosporidium serpentis (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.) from Texas, USA

Cryptosporidium serpentis (Apicomplexa:Cryptosporidiidae) was molecularly detected from cloacal swabs of 3 water snake species, including Nerodia erythrogaster, Nerodia rhombifer, and the state threatened Nerodia harteri, collected from 7 artificial reservoirs along the Brazos and Colorado rivers. While no effects to behavior and body condition were visible in positive individuals at the time of capture, previous studies have shown the potential of infection by Cryptosporidium serpentis to cause chronic gastrointestinal disease. Future studies should aim to increase understanding of the threat Cryptosporidium serpentis poses to water snakes and wildlife conservation.