How did my Bearded Dragon become infected with coccidia?
Coccidia occur naturally in Bearded Dragons. Oocysts (immature coccidia) are passed in the feces of the Dragon. They lie in the environment and eventually sporulate (mature) into a more developed oocyst, which can infect the Dragon again. Other Dragons may also become infected. This process can occur in as little as 6 hours, but it usually takes 7-10 days. If the sporulated oocysts are swallowed, they mature in the Dragon’s intestine to complete the life cycle. If the oocysts should be swallowed by a cricket, or any other prey insect, the Dragon may also become infected by eating the insect(s). As long as the Bearded Dragon’s immune system doesn’t become compromised from other illnesses, parasites or stress, the coccidia doesn’t increase to a level that impinges on the Dragon’s overall health. What kinds of problems are caused by coccidia infection? Direct side effects of a very severe infestation, long term, in a weakened animal, can be bleeding from the digestive system walls, metabo
