Squirrel with health issues

[Ira Runyan]

Today, I noted at least two Squirrels in my back yard that are experiencing some type of health issue. I'm not sure what the problem is. Normally I would suspect that it was Bot Fly larva breaking through the skin of the squirrels, but I have never seen so many on a squirrel, so it may be another problem.

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4.

[DGK*CRONE]

The first picture makes the squirrel look like a zombie. I have never seen something like this. very interesting.

[OldClicker]

Ouch! Now I remember why I live in a cold climate. - Terry

[Ira Runyan]

Upon closer observation of these photographs, I think that these two squirrels are infected by two different aliments.

In photos #1 and #4, it appears that squirrel has a heavy infection of Bot Fly larva, which are transmitted to the squirrel by coming in contact with the larva on tree branches after the tree squirrel bot fly Cuterebra emasculator had deposited her eggs on the branch.

On the other hand, photos #2 and #3 appear to be a virus infection of squirrel fibroma or squirrelpox, which is probably transmitted to the squirrel by mosquitoes.

See the University of Florida discussion Squirrel fibromatosis:
Comparisons & contrasts with bot fly infestation at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/slans...a/fibrintr.htm

The University of Florida is also working on a page about the Bot Fly at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/slansky/botfly/index.htm

[Eric D]

Double post...please remove

[Eric D]

Ira...put that sucker out of his misery! He looks very ill.......

Nice details on the photo's thou!!!

[Singletracklovr]

Excellent post. Very informative. Wonderful shooting as always Ira. These photos would look great in a vet handbook.

[paulnj]

I'm with Eric...

[Ira Runyan]

I'm with Eric...

Actually, the squirrels are slowly recovering...........