Deer fly fever

Definition

A common name for tularemia, a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, specifically emphasizing transmission by deer flies (family Tabanidae, genus Chrysops). The term highlights the role of these blood-feeding dipterans as mechanical vectors that transmit the pathogen between infected lagomorphs, rodents, and humans during feeding.

Etymology

Example

Field biologists handling cottontail rabbits in endemic areas are advised to wear protective clothing to prevent deer fly fever, as Chrysops flies can acquire Francisella tularensis from infected animals and transmit it to humans through subsequent bites.

Synonyms

• Tularemia
• rabbit fever

Related Terms

• Tularemia
• mechanical vector
• Chrysops
• Zoonosis
• Francisella tularensis
• tabanid
• vector-borne disease

Usage Notes

The term is used primarily in North American contexts where deer flies are common vectors; it is synonymous with tularemia but emphasizes the entomological transmission route rather than the rabbit reservoir. Specialists generally prefer 'tularemia' for formal diagnosis, reserving 'deer fly fever' for ecological or historical descriptions of vector involvement.