Recurring hemolytic anemia, babesiasis, and influenza A viruses in a yak at low altitude in Nepal.

Episodes of hemolysis and leukocytosis which were associated with Babesia bigemina followed each of 3 challenge exposures to influenza A viruses. It is possible that viral infection altered the immunologic host-parasite equilibrium. Acute thrombocytopenia and rouleaux formation were also observed. Death, attributed to liver flukes, occurred 168 days after the yak was transferred from high to low altitude. A 2nd yak died of foot-and-mouth disease, thus supporting the Nepali belief that yaks will not survive at the lower altitudes of Kathmandu.