Detection of and in surface water of a subarctic city.

and spp. are globally distributed protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. These zoonotic parasites and their ecological relationships have been understudied in Alaska and elsewhere, despite being identified as priority zoonotic pathogens. We aimed to detect and characterize and spp. in waterbodies within Anchorage, Alaska, USA using two methods, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623 that relies on microscopy and a molecular detection approach. The molecular approach was ultimately unsuccessful and therefore only data obtained using Method 1623 are presented. or spp. was detected from nine of 15 urban streams and lakes sampled (60 %), six of which were positive for both parasites (40 %). Fewer than 10 cysts or oocysts were detected in 10 L of surface water. Further research to characterize and beyond the genus level would help elucidate the zoonotic potential and ecology of these parasites within the region and more broadly in Alaska.