Cytauxzoon-like piroplasms in erythrocytes of wild-trapped bobcats in Oklahoma.

Stained blood smears from 26 bobcats wildtrapped in 4 Oklahoma counties were examined for protozoan parasites. A Cytauxzoon-like piroplasm was observed in erythrocytes from 13 of 21 bobcats trapped in 2 counties. Organisms were not observed in the 5 bobcats trapped in 2 other counties. The degree of parasitemia varied from less than 0.5% to 5% infected erythrocytes but commonly ranged from 1% to 3%. Responding anemia was apparent in 1 of the 13 infected bobcats but other ill effects possibly attributable to the parasite were not observed. Whether the organism is Cytauxzoon felis or is a species of Babesia is discussed but remains speculative.