Laboratory Transmission of Fibromas (Shope) in Cottontail Rabbits by Means of Fleas and Mosquitoes

Summary1. Fibroma virus may be transmitted from cottontail to cottontail by means of pin pricks, fleas found on cottontails, and by the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus). 2. Aedes aegypti transmits fibroma virus under favorable circumstances, in as high a proportion of bites at 2 weeks following initial term feeding as at 24 hours. 3. Virus carrying mosquitoes induced fibromas on the eyelid and close to the eye of one cottontail when given the opportunity to feed at will. 4. Possible mechanisms involved in mosquito transmission are discussed.