Cytauxzoon sylvicaprae gen. nov., spec. nov., a protozoon responsible for a hitherto undescribed disease in the duiker, Sylvicapra grimmia (Linne)

Abstract

1. A new genus and species of a protozoan parasite from the duiker (S. grimmia) is described. The name Cytauxzoon sylvicaprae is proposed for it and it is provisionally classed as a member of the family Theileridae, du Toit, 1918. 2. The symptomatology and the pathological changes of the disease produced by this parasite are detailed. 3. The attempt to transmit the disease to sheep was not successful. 4. The mode of transmission is unknown. 5. The importance of studying this and similar diseases in our wild animals is stressed, since valuable information may be brought to light on the life histories and the role played by such parasites in our stock diseases.