The ecology of Colorado tick fever in Rocky Mountain National Park in 1974. III. Habitats supporting the virus
McLean, R.G.; Shriner, R.B.; Pokorny, K.S.; Bowen, G.S.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 40(1): 86-93
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 2537045 Document Number: 331805
Ecological studies of small mammals in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, were conducted in 1974 in order to identify the specific habitats within the Lower Montane Forest that support Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus. Data was collected on the abundance and distribution of 4 primary rodent species (Peromyscus maniculatus, Tamias minimus, Spermophilus lateralis and S. richardsoni), tick (Dermacentor andersoni) infestation, CTF virus, and neutralizing antibody prevalence. Rodents were captured along transects crossing different habitats. Open stands of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and shrubs on dry rocky surfaces were found to be important for maintaining CTF virus. Ecologic studies of small mammals in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) were conducted in 1974 in order to identify the specific habitats within the Lower Montane Forest that support Colorado tick fever (CTF) virus. Data was collected on the abundance and distribution of 4 primary rodent species, tick infestation, CTF virus, and neutralizing antibody prevalence. Rodents were captured along transects crossing different habitats. Open stands of ponderosa pine and shrubs on dry, rocky surfaces were found to be important for maintaining CTF virus.AS.