Ribosomal RNA analysis of Babesia odocoilei isolates from farmed reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) in Wisconsin.

Piroplasms isolated from a farmed reindeer and elk in Wisconsin were determined to be Babesia odocoilei, based on morphology and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) analysis. Different clinical manifestations were observed in the two host species. The reindeer was parasitemic and exhibited acute babesiosis resulting in death, while the elk showed no parasites in blood smears and no overt clinical signs of babesiosis.