Babesia odocoilei infection in elk.
Two male North American elk from a commercial herd were evaluated because of a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, and voiding of red urine. These 2 elk were kept in the same pen as 4 other male elk that had died during the preceding 2 months. Laboratory analyses revealed anemia and intraerythrocytic parasites, later confirmed as Babesia odocoilei (a protozoal hemoparasite of cervids). Of the 240 elk remaining in the herd, 59 were screened for B odocoilei by microscopic evaluation of blood smears, protozoal culture of blood, and immunofluorescent antibody testing of serum. Of those 59 elk, 34 (58%) were infected with B odocoilei. Babesia odocoilei infection in elk can be fatal and should be considered in cases of sudden death or acute hemolytic anemia. Familiarity with the disease in elk is essential for practitioners because of the increasing popularity of commercial elk farming.
Gallatin
Laurie L
LL
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Irizarry-Rovira
Armando R
AR
Renninger
Matthew L
ML
Holman
Patricia J
PJ
Wagner
Gerald G
GG
Sojka
Janice E
JE
Christian
John A
JA
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000469:parasitology*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001403:Babesia / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001404:Babesiosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003670:Deer / Q000469:parasitology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D013983:Tick Control
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents