The ability of mononuclear cells (MC) from peripheral blood of normal cattle to lyse a variety of cells was tested in a 51Cr-release microcytotoxicity assay. Several types of bovine cells infected with parainfluenza 3 virus (PI3V) were susceptible to natural cytotoxicity. Bovine cells infected with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus or noncytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhea virus, uninfected bovine cells, and human cell lines MOLT-3, HSB-2, K562, and U-937 were not susceptible. The period of time that target cells need to be infected with PI3V to achieve maximal cytotoxicity was determined. Target cells were infected with PI3V and MC, added 1 h later. After the addition of effector cells, significant levels of cytotoxicity were recorded at 17 h. Maximal cytotoxicity occurred 22 to 24 h postinfection. To define the optimal time that MC must be present, cells were infected with PI3V for a total of 24 h, and MC were left in contact with target cells for various time intervals. Maximal cytotoxicity was recorded when effector cells were present for 20 h, suggesting that a period of activation was needed to stimulate effector cell function. Removal of adherent mononuclear cells on Sephadex G-10 columns did not reduce the low level of cytotoxicity against uninfected target cells, but markedly reduced the level of cytotoxicity against PI3V-infected cells. The effector cell was nonphagocytic and nonadherent. These characteristics and the fact that target cell lysis was independent of genetic restriction indicate that effector cells are similar to natural killer cells described in other species.