Bot Flies possible this time of year?

[jonmclester]

I am pretty sure that some of the outdoor squirrels around my home may be infected with bot flies. I tried getting pictures, but they are just too quick. One has multiple spots on her. The hair is missing around the sores, so it's basically round and pink, with a dark center. This particular squirrel I noticed about 3 weeks ago and she had a fresh scab over her eye, and now she is missing the eye all together. I would say she has probably 4 of these sores on her now. One on a front leg, and some on her back. We also have a couple of other squirrels that have one apiece on them. None of them seem to be bothered by the sores, as they continue to come down and feed, so I'm hoping nature runs its course and then they'll be fine. Are there any other ailments that anyone knows of other than bot flies that make a similar looking sore? I just want to make sure it's nothing infectious. Is this time of year common for them? I'm just not familiar with them.

We raised two babies from pinks, and released them in our yard (we have 3 large oaks.) The pair we released are doing well and still come to see us daily. They don't seem to be infected with anything, but I'm concerned for the ones that are. If I can get some pics I will post. In the mean-time I did post some before and after pics of Bonnie and Clyde

[Unikorngrrl]

Another possibility is pox! Photos will be necessary for help most likely. Pox are contagious for sure... There is a botfly post on Sweeper's page. Lemme see if I can find it for you...

[Unikorngrrl]

Here are some botfly photos compliments of Shewhosweptforest!

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...ghlight=botfly

[Unikorngrrl]

and here's the link to the forum about squirrel pox

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/f...5-Squirrel-Pox

[TubeDriver]

I don't know if a BotFly would be in the actual eye? That could be pox which certainly can lead to loss of an eye.



Where is the OP located?

[farrelli]

You might also PM Bobby Taylor who I think is also in Titusville. He might know of something going around and should be alerted if he doesn't.

[jonmclester]

I don't know if a BotFly would be in the actual eye? That could be pox which certainly can lead to loss of an eye.



Where is the OP located?

I'm thinking you all may be right about Pox. attached is the closest picture I could get for now. Will try again.

[Jackie in Tampa]

got your PM....yes Bot fly....a nasty parasite.
please wait it out... unless life threatening best to leave them in tact..
others may advise differently.
if their bodies are damaged during removal they usually create a wicked infection.
they are part of life for cattle and wild animals, in some third world countries, humans have them as well...
they are species specific ...they thrive in damp conditions and are not uncommon.
They do not compromise the host.They'll be gone before ya know it.

[Charley Chuckles]

Yep my wilds get them every year, never seems to bother them, I leave them alone and they do fine, hair grows right back, next season same thing , just part of the wild ////now I am itching