00:00Disturbing parasite in squirrels prompts urgent warning from animal rescuers.
00:05Recent reports of zombie squirrels covered in lumps are due to botflies.
00:09Their larvae enter through the nose, mouth, or skin, forming lumps called warbles.
00:14Though disturbing, they rarely kill the host and leave once mature.
00:21Botflies mainly affect wild rodents and rabbits, but can infect pets too.
00:25Human cases are rare and usually occur in nature, not from pets.
00:30Which aren't considered a transmission risk.
00:32A Virginia wildlife expert warns never to remove botflies at home.
00:36Only vets should do it, as rupturing larvae can trigger dangerous reactions.
00:41They must be taken out whole, making professional care essential.
00:48Botflies and squirrels appear as large, hairless swellings with small openings.
00:53Never touch or pop them. Call a wildlife rehabilitator.
00:57Keep pets away, and if your pet has lumps, see a vet immediately.
01:01Botflies peak in late summer to early fall.
01:04Vets remove larvae intact, clean wounds, and prevent infection.
01:08Never use oils or tape, as DIY removals often harm the animal, especially near the head or nose.
01:13Squirrels can also get lumps from squirrel pox, which causes hairless growths that may ulcerate or impair eating and vision but pose no risk to humans.
01:26Rabbits with tentacle-like growths were linked to shoppapilloma virus.
01:30Leave sick wildlife to professionals.
01:32Rabbit and squirrel parasites aren't a risk, but raccoon roundworm eggs can persist for years and rarely cause severe disease.
01:40Never attempt removals.
01:41Vets ensure safe treatment, protecting pets, wildlife, and your family.
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