Parasites and Diseases
Nose Bots
A Field Guide
TO COMMON WILDLIFE DISEASES
AND PARASITES IN ALASKA
NOSE BOTS
What causes nose bots? |
- 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 are nose bots found? |
- Nose bots can be found in caribou throughout their range in Alaska.
What are the signs of nose bots? |
- Caribou usually appear healthy.
- When laying their eggs, bot flies 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 ¾ to 1½ inches 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.
Can I eat the meat? |
- Meat from affected animals is suitable for human consumption.
Samples to collect |
- Larvae of the bot fly
- To report an occurrence or to submit a sample for identification/analysis, contact the DWC Wildlife Disease Surveillance reporting hotline 907-328-8354, send an email to dfg.dwc.vet@alaska.gov or visit your local ADF&G office.