Abstract:
Cytauxzoonosis is reported for the first time in a giraffe [Giraffa camelopardalis (Linnaeus, 1758)] that
died naturally of the disease. Both histiotropic and erythrocytic parasites were found. The animal was very
anaemic and had marked haemoglobinuria. The most significant lesions were disseminated foci of
haemorrhage and necrosis, especially in the liver, spleen and abomasum. Multiple haemorrhages also
occurred on both pleura and peritoneum, within and on the entire gastro-intestinal tract, on the surface
of the kidneys, subepicardially and in the urinary bladder. Very enlarged and even multinuclear cells
heavily parasitized by schizonts were encountered in the lesions.