What’s Cytauxzoon cat felis? This parasite is not well-known but can be deadly. This parasite is found primarily in the Southeastern United States. It is commonly known as “Bobcat Fever” since bobcats are the natural hosts. Cytauxzoon felis spreads to domestic cats and bobcats by ticks.
The Companion Animal Council states that the disease is most common between March and September when tick vectors are active.
Where can Cytauxzoon felis be found?
The main vector for C ytauxzoon felis is the lone star tick, Amblyomma Americanum. Domestic cats from the United States have been affected by the disease.
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Kansas
Kentucky
Illinois
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Symptoms Cytauxzoon felis
Domestic cats, which are the natural hosts of this parasite, tend to be asymptomatic. Bobcats are usually asymptomatic. Domestic cats usually show symptoms within five to 14 days after being bitten with a protozoan parasite-carrying tick.
Infected cats are often found with:
Depression
Lethargy
Anorexia
Fever
Dehydration
The disease can quickly progress and cats may die in as little as two days. Research suggests that some cats may be able to survive acute infection and become subclinically infected, which could make them reservoirs for the disease.
Diagnosis Cytauxzoon felis
Cytauxzoon Felis can be diagnosed by microscopic observation in blood or PCR testing.
Treatment for Cytauxzoon felis
Infected cats are usually treated with anti-parasitic medications and supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids and blood transfusions. Many cats infected with the parasites do not survive despite aggressive treatment.
Promising research in Cytauxzoon felis
Dr. Leah Cohn, a veterinarian researcher at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is currently working with Dr. Adam Birkenheuer (North Carolina State University ) and Dr. David Bird ( North Carolina State University ). They are currently examining the effectiveness of other protozoan infection treatments. According to the North Carolina State website, their promising research has “raised Cytauxzoonosis survival rates from less than 25% to 60%.” Dr. Cohen, Dr. Birkenheuer, and others are also working to create a vaccine against this deadly but rare disease.
Prevention Cytauxzoon felis
There is no vaccine that can prevent Cytauxzoon felis. Therefore, it is important to reduce your cat’s exposure. The best preventive measure is to keep your cat indoors. Use a feline tick prevention product approved by your veterinarian. Also, make sure to check your cat daily for ticks. Indoor cats living in households with dogs need to be checked every day or put on preventatives to reduce risk. It is crucial to get rid of ticks quickly and effectively.
