American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · 1989 · 29 citations · 0 references
Veterinary MedicineEcologyZoologyParasitologyWildlife ParasitologyZoonotic Disease EpidemiologyDisease EcologyTick BiologyTick-borne DiseasesVector EcologyVector-borne ZoonosesWildlife Reservoir HostsInfectious Disease EcologyMaintenanceTick-borne Disease EcologyTick-borne Pathogen DynamicsTick-borne PathogensTick-borne Viral ZoonosesTick-host InteractionsWildlife Viral Ecology
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.