Federal wildlife biologists are asking hunters and trappers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere to help them determine whether there is a connection between heartworm infections in coyotes and their close cousin, the domesticated dog.

Although heartworm is common in coyotes, many pet dogs and hunting dogs are inoculated, leading to concerns that a super heartworm may be developing.

Researchers at the American Museum of Natural History in New York are asking sportsmen to donate the hearts of coyotes they kill for use in a study that could lead to a more effective heartworm preventive for pets.

"Coyotes are a natural host -- they might be the main hosts -- for heartworms," said Susan Perkins, an assistant curator at the museum.

"We're interested in whether there's much overlap between heartworm in wild and domesticated canids, and whether scientists could predict the spread of a more resistant heartworm."

The heartworm parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes, since its larvae are contained in the blood of infected animals.

Because more pet owners are inoculating their dogs with Ivermectin, drug-resistant heartworms may be developing and spreading among treated populations, Perkins said.

"We're interested in how much transmission is occurring between populations in different geographic regions, and between canids in rural and urban areas," said Perkins.

"Resistant heartworms will spring up in most treated areas, and could spread quickly."

Perkins said the study is looking at hearts donated by veterinarians and hunters in many states and Mexico.

In Pennsylvania, samples are being collected by U.S. Department of Agriculture biologist Kyle Van Why, who is based in Harrisburg.

He is asking hunters and trappers to remove the heart from any coyote they kill, place it in a plastic sandwich bag and store it in a freezer until he can collect it.

Hunters are asked to record the locations where the coyotes were harvested.

"There's no danger in handling an infected heart, although you may want to use gloves as you would when you handle any carcass," he said.

There is no closed hunting season on coyotes in Pennsylvania.