Incidence and Effects of Cuterebra in Peromyscus

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Abstract
Peromyscus leucopus is the favored host for Cuterebra angustifrons on the AEC Reservation near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Feromyscus nuttalli is a host of C. angustifrons also, but no other cricetid (5 species, > 4000 captures) was infested. Percentages of infestation in P. leucopus during 1958–1964 ranged from 19 to 33% per year; the overall average per year was 25%. In general, the infestation period in P. leucopus is June–December, the greatest percentages occurring in summer. Infested mice were found in certain nonforested areas, as well as in forested areas. Eighty-one per cent of the mice carried one bot, 16% had two bots and 3% had three bots; 87% of the larvae were located in the inguinal region. There was no difference in percentage of infestation between sexes. Erythrocyte count, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration were consistently lower in infested mice, and total leucocyte number was greater. The infestation period for P. leucopus in this area is about 3 months longer than in southern Canada and northern U. S. Consequently, hematological effects caused by Cuterebra myiasis are present for a considerably longer time in P. leucopus populations in this area than in the areas farther north.