COMMON WILDLIFE DISEASES
and PARASITES in
the NWT & Nunavut
|
Nose bot larvae in
nasal cavity of a caribou.
|
This
condition is caused by the
larvae
of the bot fly.
Lifecycle:
The adult female bot fly deposits larvae in the nostrils of
caribou. Nose bot larvae
attach and grow in a cluster in the caribou’s throat near the base
of the tongue. The larvae
are sneezed out in the spring.
|
Where
do nose bots
occur? |
In
the NWT and Nunavut, nose bots are commonly found in barren-ground
caribou.
|
What
are the signs of nose
bots? |
Caribou
usually appear healthy.
When
laying their eggs, bot flies can harass caribou and interfere with
feeding.
Nose
bot larvae are found in the sinuses and airways at the back of the
throat.
The
worm-like larvae are white when they begin to develop but grow to 2 -
4 cm in length over the winter and become yellowish-brown.
|
How
can I protect myself? |
You
cannot be infected by nose bot flies or their larvae.
Meat
from affected animals is suitable for human consumption.
larvae
of the bot fly
|
