Surveillance for Babesia odocoilei in Hunter-Harvested Wild-Elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) from Pennsylvania, USA (2016-2017).

ABSTRACT: Babesia odocoilei is a tick-borne protozoal parasite which infects the erythrocytes of members of the families Cervidae and Bovidae. Infection can result in hemolytic anemia, lethargy, anorexia, and death. The reservoir host of B. odocoilei is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); however, infections with overt disease have only been documented in reindeer (Rangider tarandu tarandus), caribou (Rangider tarandu caribou) and captive elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis). Infected elk may remain asymptomatic, creating the risk for dissemination of the pathogen when elk are relocated. Additionally, infected asymptomatic elk may contribute to the spread of B. odocoilei in the local wildlife/captive population via feeding ticks. Information regarding endemic regions of B. odocoilei infection

SUBMITTER: Calvente EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8226896 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature