Babesiosis of wild carnivores and ungulates

• Published in: Veterinary parasitology Vol. 138; no. 1; pp. 11 - 21
• Main Author: Penzhorn, Banie L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 31-05-2006
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Wild - parasitology; Artiodactyla - parasitology; Babesia; Babesia - isolation & purification; Babesia - pathogenicity; Babesia bicornis; Babesia leo; babesiosis; Babesiosis - parasitology; Babesiosis - veterinary; Biology; Carnivora - parasitology; carnivores; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Elephants - parasitology; infection; Kruger National Park; literature reviews; Mammals - parasitology; Perissodactyla - parasitology; Taxonomy; ungulates; wild animals; Wild life; wildlife management; zoo animals; Wild life; Biology; Babesia leo; Taxonomy; Kruger National Park; Conservation
• ISSN: 0304-4017; 1873-2550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.036

Although large and small piroplasms have been reported from various wild carnivore and ungulate species, relatively few have been named. In the past, mere presence of a piroplasm in a specific host frequently prompted naming of a new species. Descriptions were often inadequate or lacking altogether. Currently, demarcation of species relies heavily on molecular characterisation. Even serological evidence is deemed insufficient. Experimental transmission of
Babesia spp. from domestic to wild animals is usually only successful in closely related species, or after splenectomy. There are indications that endemic stability, similar to the situation in livestock, is the general pattern in
Babesia sp. infections in wildlife. All lions in Kruger National Park were found to be infected with
B. leo, which did not lead to clinical disease manifestation in artificially infected lions. Under stressful conditions, infections could flare up and be fatal, as purportedly happened to the famous lioness “Elsa”. Similarly black rhinos, which can harbour
Babesia bicornis without ill effects, may develop clinical babesiosis during confinement after capture. Zoo-bred animals, which were not exposed to
Babesia spp. at a young age, may be fully susceptible when released into a natural environment where other members of their species occur. This could have major implications for ex situ conservation programmes aimed at bolstering natural wildlife populations.