A deadly disease known as bobcat fever is spreading across the eastern United States this summer, prompting urgent warnings from veterinarians and animal rescue organizations. The illness, which is transmitted through tick bites, can kill an infected cat within days if left untreated.
What Is Bobcat Fever?
Bobcat fever, scientifically called Cytauxzoonosis, is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis. It is primarily spread through the bites of infected Lone Star ticks and American Dog ticks, which are found from Texas to Maine. The disease was first identified in bobcats in Missouri during the 1970s and for many years remained confined to the south-central United States. However, due to climate change and the northward expansion of tick populations, infections have now been documented in 35 states.
Alarming Fatality Rates
According to North Carolina State University, untreated bobcat fever has a 97 percent fatality rate. Infected cats may experience seizures, hypothermia, coma, and death within days. Even with treatment, the survival rate is only about 60 percent, and recovered cats can become carriers of the disease, potentially infecting other animals.
In Green Country, Oklahoma, at least five cats have died in just two weeks, as reported by Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue. The organization noted that tick populations thrive in warm months, especially in grassy, wooded, and rural environments, putting outdoor cats at high risk.
Symptoms to Watch For
Pet owners should be vigilant for signs of bobcat fever, which include:
- Lethargy and decreased appetite
- Pale or yellow gums and eyes
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Fever
If any of these symptoms appear, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Diagnosis is made through blood work that detects the parasite in red blood cells.
Prevention Is Key
Experts emphasize that prevention is the most effective strategy. Cat owners should:
- Keep cats indoors, especially in tick-prone areas
- Administer year-round flea and tick prevention medications prescribed by a veterinarian
- Regularly check cats for ticks, as even a few hours of exposure can transmit the disease
Dr. Carley Allen of All Cats Clinic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, advises, "If you notice any concerning clinical signs of your cat not feeling well, get them to a vet as soon as possible to have them checked out."
Ongoing Research
Researchers are working on a vaccine to improve survival rates. Dr. Adam Birkenheuer, an associate professor at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, recalled a surge in cases between 1998 and 2004, when 34 cases were reported from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. "We went from having never seen this deadly disease to times where we saw several cases a week," he said.
With tick populations expanding due to warmer and more humid climates, bobcat fever is a growing threat to cats across the United States. Vigilance and preventive measures are essential to protect feline companions.
