Cytauxzoon felis is a protozoal blood parasite that affects felid species such as the bobcat and domestic cat. It is transmitted by dog ticks (Dermacentor) and Lone Star ticks (Ambylomma). Although we have these ticks in New York, the parasite hasn’t been confirmed further north than Pennsylvania.
The WHP is working with the parasitology lab at AHDC to develop a test for cytauxzoon. We have supplied the lab with tick samples from across the state. We are also providing tissue samples for examination. The tissue samples are from our tissue bank, hunter-harvest, and from road-killed animals.
Bobcat in snow