Cuterebra Infestations in Small-Mammal Communities as Influenced by Herbicides and Fire

Abstract

The impact of habitat alterations created by five brush-management systems (herbicide applications with or without burning) on Cuterebra sp. infestations of a host community (n = 811) of small mammals was examined on typical cross-timbers rangeland in Payne Co., Oklahoma, from summer 1986 to 1988. Prevalence of Cuterebra sp. infestations in host communities inhabiting pastures treated with tebuthiuron was greater than those treated with triclopyr in 1986. Prevalence on unburned pastures was greater than annually burned herbicide-treated pastures in 1986. Intensity of infestation was not influenced by habitat modification. Burning might have killed soil-dwelling larvae, and tebuthiuron treatment probably created an abundance of topographical summits for aggregation of Cuterebra sp.