Cytauxzoonosis is a fatal blood parasite in cats that is similar to malaria in humans.  The major differences are that cytauxzoonosis is transmitted by ticks, not mosquitos, and there is no satisfactory treatment.  At least 9 of 10 cats with cytauxzoonosis will die.

Incidence
The incidence of cytauxzoonosis low and limited to the margins of suburban areas, rural, and wooded areas.  This is because cats with cytauxzoonosis almost always die and are not a good reservoir for the disease.  The parasite is maintained in wild bobcats and transmitted by ticks.  Cats are at highest risk in the summer and if they are allowed to roam outdoors and acquire ticks that previously fed on bobcats.  It is estimated that there is about 15,000 bobcats in Missouri.  A male bobcat will range 5 miles each evening while hunting.

Signs
The signs of cytauxzoonosis in pet cats are depression, weakness, fever, and lack of appetite.  Anemia and jaundice may also develop.  Death usually occurs within of week of first showing signs of illness.  The disease is dormant when in bobcats.  It is carried by bobcats without signs of disease.

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can diagnose the disease by microscopic examination of blood smears.

Treatment
A reliable treatment to eliminate the blood parasite has not been found.

Prevention Measures
Prevent cats from roaming near wooded areas.  Practice good tick control by keeping grass cut, checking cats daily for ticks, and using tick control products such as Frontline®.

For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit <http://www.vmth.missouri.edu/>