An attempt was made to differentiate avian pox viruses by means of transmission experiments and cross-immunity tests, and to compare the results with those of other workers. It is concluded that a further clarification of the differences in susceptibility of bird hosts and in virulence of virus strains can only be achieved when the immune status of the experimental birds can be determined by reliable tests.

During the fall and winter of 1967–68 an outbreak of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) occurred in Wisconsin among red foxes (Vulpes fulva) and coyotes (Canis latrans). Infected animals were usually partially hairless, listless, and emaciated. Skin lesions were characteristically thickened, dry, and crusted; the disease sometimes caused death. Mange occurred in the major fox and coyote ranges of the state and apparently affected fox population numbers.

Sera from 352 deer from nine New York State counties were tested for neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to six arboviruses representing four groups. Antibody titers to California encephalitis and Cache Valley viruses were detected in varying frequency in the 9 counties with foci for the Bunyamwera group in Seneca, Dutchess, and Erie counties. Neutralizing antibodies to western equine encephalomyelitis were noted in sera collected in 1959–61 from Albany and Seneca counties while a focus of group B arbovirus activity, most probably due to Powassan virus, was found in Shelter Island, Suffolk County. Our experience indicates the usefulness of deer as natural indicators of activity of certain arboviruses.