What transmits cytauxzoon?
Cytauxzoon is a parasitic protozoan that infects cats, particularly wild and domestic cats living in certain regions of the United States
Cytauxzoon is a parasitic protozoan that infects cats, particularly wild and domestic cats living in certain regions of the United States. The parasite is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, specifically the Amblyomma americanum ticks, also known as the lone star tick.
When an infected tick bites a cat, it injects the cytauxzoon parasites into the bloodstream of the cat. These parasites then travel to various organs, especially the spleen and liver, where they reproduce and cause significant damage to the host’s red blood cells, leading to a severe and often fatal disease called cytauxzoonosis.
It is important to note that cytauxzoon is not directly transmitted from cat to cat. The parasites require a tick vector to complete their life cycle and infect new hosts. Therefore, prevention of cytauxzoon infection in cats mainly involves controlling tick infestations. This can be achieved through regular use of tick preventatives, keeping cats indoors during peak tick activity seasons, and regularly checking cats for tick presence and removing them promptly.
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