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Tripp DW, Sullivan AE, Sack DA, Emslie AC, Drake MK. A low‐pressure compressed air insecticide applicator to manage plague on prairie dog colonies using all‐terrain vehicles. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Tripp
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program Foothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins Colorado 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Amy E. Sullivan
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program Foothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins Colorado 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Danielle A. Sack
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program Foothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins Colorado 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Alexis C. Emslie
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program Foothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins Colorado 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Maximilian K. Drake
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program Foothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins Colorado 80521‐2153 USA
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2
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Eads DA, Biggins DE, Wimsatt J, Eisen RJ, Hinnebusch BJ, Matchett MR, Goldberg AR, Livieri TM, Hacker GM, Novak MG, Buttke DE, Grassel SM, Hughes JP, Atiku LA. Exploring and Mitigating Plague for One Health Purposes. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:169-184. [PMID: 39210935 PMCID: PMC11358858 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review In 2020, the Appropriations Committee for the U.S. House of Representatives directed the CDC to develop a national One Health framework to combat zoonotic diseases, including sylvatic plague, which is caused by the flea-borne bacterium Yersinia pestis. This review builds upon that multisectoral objective. We aim to increase awareness of Y. pestis and to highlight examples of plague mitigation for One Health purposes (i.e., to achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals, plants, and their shared environment). We draw primarily upon examples from the USA, but also discuss research from Madagascar and Uganda where relevant, as Y. pestis has emerged as a zoonotic threat in those foci. Recent Findings Historically, the bulk of plague research has been directed at the disease in humans. This is not surprising, given that Y. pestis is a scourge of human history. Nevertheless, the ecology of Y. pestis is inextricably linked to other mammals and fleas under natural conditions. Accumulating evidence demonstrates Y. pestis is an unrelenting threat to multiple ecosystems, where the bacterium is capable of significantly reducing native species abundance and diversity while altering competitive and trophic relationships, food web connections, and nutrient cycles. In doing so, Y. pestis transforms ecosystems, causing "shifting baselines syndrome" in humans, where there is a gradual shift in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment. Eradication of Y. pestis in nature is difficult to impossible, but effective mitigation is achievable; we discuss flea vector control and One Health implications in this context. Summary There is an acute need to rapidly expand research on Y. pestis, across multiple host and flea species and varied ecosystems of the Western US and abroad, for human and environmental health purposes. The fate of many wildlife species hangs in the balance, and the implications for humans are profound in some regions. Collaborative multisectoral research is needed to define the scope of the problem in each epidemiological context and to identify, refine, and implement appropriate and effective mitigation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Eads
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Dean E. Biggins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wimsatt
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Eisen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Marc R. Matchett
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Lewistown, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory M. Hacker
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mark G. Novak
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Danielle E. Buttke
- National Park Service Biological Resources Division and Office of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - John P. Hughes
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, Carr, CO, USA
| | - Linda A. Atiku
- Plague Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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3
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Tripp DW, Emslie AC, Sack DA, Zieschang M. A Prototype Insecticide Applicator and Quality Control Monitoring for Plague Management on Prairie Dog Colonies. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Tripp
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, Foothills Wildlife Research Facility, 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Alexis C. Emslie
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, Foothills Wildlife Research Facility, 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Danielle A. Sack
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, Foothills Wildlife Research Facility, 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Matt Zieschang
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, Foothills Wildlife Research Facility, 4330 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521‐2153 USA
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4
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Biggins DE, Godbey JL, Eads DA. Epizootic Plague in Prairie Dogs: Correlates and Control with Deltamethrin. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:172-178. [PMID: 33481692 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is a generalist pathogen of flea (Siphonaptera) vectors and mammalian hosts. In colonies of prairie dogs (PDs, Cynomys spp.), Y. pestis causes occasional epizootics, killing ≥90% of PDs within weeks to several months. We evaluated the effectiveness of deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, as a tool for preventing plague epizootics among three PD species. Specifically, we studied PD population growth on paired plots treated with deltamethrin for flea control or left untreated as baselines. We also evaluated PD population growth relative to flea abundance and PD density. All epizootics occurred on nontreated plots. Epizootics occurred on plots with very low PD densities as well as high densities. Mean population change, assessed by comparing visual counts of PDs in years before and during epizootics, was +88% for treated plots and -97% for nontreated plots. For comparison, an experimental oral vaccine against plague had an average change in population index or estimate during epizootics of -69% on vaccine plots compared with -83% for associated nontreated (placebo) plots. In our study and on plots not treated with deltamethrin, PD population growth was negatively correlated with flea abundance in the year before the epizootic, lending support to the hypothesis that flea abundance plays a critical role in plague transmission under natural conditions. Generally speaking, deltamethrin is a highly effective tool for plague management on PD colonies. That said, continued study is needed to refine deltamethrin treatments and to develop a more integrated strategy for plague management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean E Biggins
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jerry L Godbey
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - David A Eads
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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5
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Poché D, Clarke T, Tseveenjav B, Torres-Poché Z. Evaluating the use of a low dose fipronil bait in reducing black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus) fleas at reduced application rates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:292-298. [PMID: 33335833 PMCID: PMC7732869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Plague is a virulent zoonosis, vectored by fleas, posing danger to black-tailed prairie dogs (BTPDs) (Cynomys ludovicianus), black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), and humans in North America. During prior research, a fipronil grain bait (0.005%) applied at rates of 1-½ cup/burrow, reduced flea abundance by > 95–100% when applied three times February–March in northern Colorado. The objective of the current study was to determine the efficacy of fipronil bait against fleas in northern Colorado at reduced application rates (½ cup/burrow) and frequencies (1–2 applications). The field study was conducted in Larimer county, Colorado USA between June-November 2018. Three test plots were selected: two treatment plots (1 vs. 2 fipronil bait applications) and one untreated control. Fipronil was applied at a rate of ½ cup (~95 g)/burrow. Fleas were collected from captured BTPDs and swabs of active burrows prior to bait application and up to 134-days post-treatment. A total of 203 BTPDs and 210 active burrows were sampled. Within the treatment plots, no fleas were collected from BTPDs up to 134-days post-treatment (100% efficacy). Five fleas were recovered from burrows within the one-application plot (<40-days post-application) with efficacy ranging from 97.1 to 100%. No fleas were recovered from burrows within the two-application plot. We caution that while fleas were present within the control plot throughout the study, abundances were low. The efficacy results are supported by those of prior field research conducted in South Dakota and suggest that fipronil bait may be applied at lower rates and frequencies than initially proposed, with potential to sustain flea removal >4-months. Fipronil grain bait fed to black-tailed prairie dogs was effective against fleas. Controlling prairie dog fleas can reduce plague transmission to humans and wildlife. Low application rate could reduce environmental risk and insecticide resistance. One application of bait controlled 100% of prairie dog fleas for more than 4-months.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Poché
- Genesis Laboratories, P.O Box 1195, Wellington, CO, 80549, USA
| | - Tyler Clarke
- Genesis Laboratories, P.O Box 1195, Wellington, CO, 80549, USA
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6
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Poje JE, Rocke TE, Samuel MD. Impacts of environmental conditions on fleas in black-tailed prairie dog burrows. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:356-365. [PMID: 33207046 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Sylvatic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and transmitted by fleas, occurs in prairie dogs of the western United States. Outbreaks can devastate prairie dog communities, often causing nearly 100% mortality. Three competent flea vectors, prairie dog specialists Oropsylla hirsuta and O. tuberculata, and generalist Pulex simulans, are found on prairie dogs and in their burrows. Fleas are affected by climate, which varies across the range of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), but these effects may be ameliorated somewhat due to the burrowing habits of prairie dogs. Our goal was to assess how temperature and precipitation affect off-host flea abundance and whether relative flea abundance varied across the range of black-tailed prairie dogs. Flea abundance was measured by swabbing 300 prairie dog burrows at six widely distributed sites in early and late summer of 2016 and 2017. Relative abundance of flea species varied among sites and sampling sessions. Flea abundance and prevalence increased with monthly mean high temperature and declined with higher winter precipitation. Predicted climate change in North America will likely influence flea abundance and distribution, thereby impacting plague dynamics in prairie dog colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Poje
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, U.S.A
| | - Tonie E Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, U.S.A
| | - Michael D Samuel
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, U.S.A
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7
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Sack DA, Tripp DW. A Comparison of Two Methods to Monitor Translocated Prairie Dogs. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Sack
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health ProgramFoothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Avenue Fort Collins CO 80521‐2153 USA
| | - Daniel W. Tripp
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health ProgramFoothills Wildlife Research Facility 4330 Laporte Avenue Fort Collins CO 80521‐2153 USA
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8
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Liccioli S, Stephens T, Wilson SC, McPherson JM, Keating LM, Antonation KS, Bollinger TK, Corbett CR, Gummer DL, Lindsay LR, Galloway TD, Shury TK, Moehrenschlager A. Enzootic maintenance of sylvatic plague in Canada's threatened black‐tailed prairie dog ecosystem. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Liccioli
- Grasslands National Park Parks Canada Agency P.O. Box 150 Val Marie Saskatchewan S0N2T0 Canada
| | - Tara Stephens
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society 1300 Zoo Road N.E. Calgary Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
| | - Sian C. Wilson
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society 1300 Zoo Road N.E. Calgary Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
| | - Jana M. McPherson
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society 1300 Zoo Road N.E. Calgary Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
| | - Laura M. Keating
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society 1300 Zoo Road N.E. Calgary Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
| | - Kym S. Antonation
- Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics National Microbiology Laboratory Public Health Agency of Canada 1015 Arlington Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3E 3R2 Canada
| | - Trent K. Bollinger
- Department of Veterinary Pathology Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative 52 Campus Drive Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 Canada
| | - Cindi R. Corbett
- Bioforensics Assay Development and Diagnostics National Microbiology Laboratory Public Health Agency of Canada 1015 Arlington Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3E 3R2 Canada
| | - David L. Gummer
- Natural Resource Management Branch Parks Canada Agency 720 – 220 4 Avenue SE Calgary Alberta T2G 4X3 Canada
| | - L. Robbin Lindsay
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens National Microbiology Laboratory Public Health Agency of Canada 1015 Arlington Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3E 3R2 Canada
| | - Terry D. Galloway
- Department of Entomology Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences University of Manitoba 12 Dafoe Road Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Todd K. Shury
- Parks Canada Agency 52 Campus Drive Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5B4 Canada
| | - Axel Moehrenschlager
- Centre for Conservation Research Calgary Zoological Society 1300 Zoo Road N.E. Calgary Alberta T2E 7V6 Canada
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9
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Goldberg AR, Conway CJ, Biggins DE. Flea sharing among sympatric rodent hosts: implications for potential plague effects on a threatened sciurid. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Goldberg
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1141 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Courtney J. Conway
- U.S. Geological Survey Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1141 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Dean E. Biggins
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue Building C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
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10
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Roth JD. Sylvatic plague management and prairie dogs - a meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2019; 44:1-10. [PMID: 31124237 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, a bacterial pathogen that causes sylvatic plague, is present in the prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) of North America. Epizootics of sylvatic plague through transmission in vectors (fleas) commonly completely extirpate colonies of prairie dogs. Wildlife managers employ a wide variety of insecticidal treatments to suppress plague and conserve prairie dog colonies. I compiled and statistically compared the available literature describing methods of plague control and their relative effectiveness in managing plague outbreaks by using meta-analyses. Natural log response ratios were used to calculate insecticide-induced vector mortality and vaccine-conferred survival increases in prairie dogs in 37 publications. Further, subgroupings were used to explore the most effective of the available vector suppression insecticides and plague suppression vaccines. After accounting for the type of treatment used and the method by which it was applied, I observed plague reduction through use of both insecticides and vaccines. Insecticides resulted in a significant reduction of the abundance of vectors by 91.34% compared to non-treated hosts (p<0.0001). Vaccines improved survival of prairie dog hosts by 4.00% (p<0.0001) compared to control populations. The use of insecticides such as deltamethrin and carbaryl is recommended to stop actively spreading epizootics, and dual antigen oral vaccines to initially suppress outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849, U.S.A
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11
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Eads DA, Biggins DE. Plague management of prairie dog colonies: degree and duration of deltamethrin flea control. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2019; 44:40-47. [PMID: 31124240 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Plague is a flea-borne disease of mammalian hosts. On the grasslands of western North America, plague stifles populations of Cynomys spp. prairie dogs (PDs). To manage plague, PD burrows are treated with 0.05% deltamethrin dust that can suppress flea numbers and plague transmission. Here, we evaluate the degree and duration of deltamethrin flea control with three PD species at six sites across four U.S. states. Data were simultaneously collected at paired plots. Burrows from one randomly assigned member of each pair were treated with deltamethrin; non-treated plots served as experimental baselines. Flea control was strong ≤two months after treatment, remained moderate one year later, and was statistically detectable for up to two years at some sites. Flea abundance was lower in plots with higher rates of deltamethrin application. After burrow treatments, flea abundance increased over time, reaching >one per PD within 255 to 352 days. Nevertheless, annual treatments of burrows with deltamethrin provided PDs with substantial protection against plague. Even so, deltamethrin should be further evaluated and combined with other tools under an integrated approach to plague management. Integrated plague management should help to conserve PDs and species that associate with them, including the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Eads
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, U.S.A
| | - Dean E Biggins
- U. S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, U.S.A
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12
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Maestas LP, Britten HB. Effects of Deltamethrin Treatment on Small Mammal and Ectoparasite Population Dynamics and Plague Prevalence in a North American Mixed-Grass Prairie System. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:274-283. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P. Maestas
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
| | - Hugh B. Britten
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
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13
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Sanchez J, Lareschi M. Diversity, distribution and parasitism rates of fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) on sigmodontine rodents (Cricetidae) from Argentinian Patagonia. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 109:72-83. [PMID: 29665876 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485318000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fleas have great medical relevance as vectors of the causative agents of several diseases in animals and humans and rodents are the principal reservoirs for these pathogens. Argentinian Patagonia has the highest diversity of rodent fleas in South America. However, parasitism rates of rodents by fleas, the factors that influence them and the ecological aspects that modulate geographical distributions of flea-host association remain unknown for this region. This is the first study to record the diversity, prevalence, abundance, geographical distributions and host ranges of fleas in Argentinian Patagonia. It also compares parasitism rates among Patagonian ecoregions and host species. We captured 438 rodents belonging to 13 species, which harboured 624 fleas from 11 species and subspecies (P = 46%; mean abundance = 1.44). The high parasitism rates obtained were consistent with previous records for other arid regions, suggesting that Patagonia favours the survival and development of Siphonaptera. Host geographic range and abundance were related to the parasitological indexes: host species with high-density populations had the highest mean flea abundance and prevalence, whereas widely distributed hosts had the highest richness and diversity of flea species. Our results contribute to the knowledge of the flea-host-environment complex. Our analysis of flea distributions and parasitism rate in Central Patagonia may be useful in epidemiological studies of flea-borne diseases and provide a basis for implementing surveillance systems for better risk assessment of emerging zoonoses in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires - CITNOBA (CONICET-UNNOBA),Ruta Provincial 32 Km 3,5, 2700 Pergamino,Argentina
| | - M Lareschi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata-CONICET-UNLP),Bv. 120 s/n e/ 60 y 61, 1900 La Plata,Argentina
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14
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Russell RE, Abbott RC, Tripp DW, Rocke TE. Local factors associated with on-host flea distributions on prairie dog colonies. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8951-8972. [PMID: 30271558 PMCID: PMC6157659 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of plague, a flea-vectored bacterial disease, occur periodically in prairie dog populations in the western United States. In order to understand the conditions that are conducive to plague outbreaks and potentially predict spatial and temporal variations in risk, it is important to understand the factors associated with flea abundance and distribution that may lead to plague outbreaks. We collected and identified 20,041 fleas from 6,542 individual prairie dogs of four different species over a 4-year period along a latitudinal gradient from Texas to Montana. We assessed local climate and other factors associated with flea prevalence and abundance, as well as the incidence of plague outbreaks. Oropsylla hirsuta, a prairie dog specialist flea, and Pulex simulans, a generalist flea species, were the most common fleas found on our pairs. High elevation pairs in Wyoming and Utah had distinct flea communities compared with the rest of the study pairs. The incidence of prairie dogs with Yersinia pestis detections in fleas was low (n = 64 prairie dogs with positive fleas out of 5,024 samples from 4,218 individual prairie dogs). The results of our regression models indicate that many factors are associated with the presence of fleas. In general, flea abundance (number of fleas on hosts) is higher during plague outbreaks, lower when prairie dogs are more abundant, and reaches peak levels when climate and weather variables are at intermediate levels. Changing climate conditions will likely affect aspects of both flea and host communities, including population densities and species composition, which may lead to changes in plague dynamics. Our results support the hypothesis that local conditions, including host, vector, and environmental factors, influence the likelihood of plague outbreaks, and that predicting changes to plague dynamics under climate change scenarios will have to consider both host and vector responses to local factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Russell
- U.S. Geological SurveyNational Wildlife Health CenterMadisonWisconsin
| | - Rachel C. Abbott
- U.S. Geological SurveyNational Wildlife Health CenterMadisonWisconsin
| | - Daniel W. Tripp
- Colorado Division of Parks and WildlifeWildlife Health ProgramFort CollinsColorado
| | - Tonie E. Rocke
- U.S. Geological SurveyNational Wildlife Health CenterMadisonWisconsin
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15
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Poché DM, Torres-Poché Z, Yeszhanov A, Poché RM, Belyaev A, Dvořák V, Sayakova Z, Polyakova L, Aimakhanov B. Field evaluation of a 0.005% fipronil bait, orally administered to Rhombomys opimus, for control of fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) and phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006630. [PMID: 30044788 PMCID: PMC6059381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plague (Yersinia pestis) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (Leishmania major) are two rodent-associated diseases which are vectored by fleas and phlebotomine sand flies, respectively. In Central Asia, the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) serves as the primary reservoir for both diseases in most natural foci. The systemic insecticide fipronil has been previously shown to be highly effective in controlling fleas and sand flies. However, the impact of a fipronil-based rodent bait, on flea and sand fly abundance, has never been reported in Central Asia. A field trial was conducted in southeastern Kazakhstan to evaluate the efficacy of a 0.005% fipronil bait, applied to gerbil burrows for oral uptake, in reducing Xenopsylla spp. flea and Phlebotomus spp. sand fly abundance. All active gerbil burrows within the treated area were presented with ~120 g of 0.005% fipronil grain bait twice during late spring/early summer (June 16, June 21). In total, 120 occupied and 14 visited gerbil colonies were surveyed and treated, and the resulting application rate was minimal (~0.006 mg fipronil/m2). The bait resulted in 100% reduction in Xenopsylla spp. flea abundance at 80-days post-treatment. Gravid sand flies were reduced ~72% and 100% during treatment and at week-3 post-treatment, respectively. However, noticeable sand fly reduction did not occur after week-3 and results suggest environmental factors also influenced abundance significantly. In conclusion, fipronil bait, applied in southeastern Kazakhstan, has the potential to reduce or potentially eliminate Xenopsylla spp. fleas if applied at least every 80-days, but may need to be applied at higher frequency to significantly reduce the oviposition rate of Phlebotomus spp. sand flies. Fipronil-based bait may provide a means of controlling blood-feeding vectors, subsequently reducing disease risk, in Central Asia and other affected regions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Poché
- Genesis Laboratories, Inc. Wellington, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Zaria Torres-Poché
- Genesis Laboratories, Inc. Wellington, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Aidyn Yeszhanov
- M. Aikimbaev’s Kazakh Science Centre for Quarantine of Zoonotic Diseases. Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Richard M. Poché
- Genesis Laboratories, Inc. Wellington, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Alexander Belyaev
- M. Aikimbaev’s Kazakh Science Centre for Quarantine of Zoonotic Diseases. Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Vit Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zaure Sayakova
- M. Aikimbaev’s Kazakh Science Centre for Quarantine of Zoonotic Diseases. Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Larisa Polyakova
- Genesis Laboratories, Inc. Wellington, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Batirbek Aimakhanov
- M. Aikimbaev’s Kazakh Science Centre for Quarantine of Zoonotic Diseases. Almaty, Kazakhstan
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16
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Plague in a Colony of Gunnison's Prairie Dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) Despite Three Years of Infusions of Burrows with 0.05% Deltamethrin to Kill Fleas. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:347-351. [DOI: 10.7589/2017-04-089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Cassin Sackett L. Does the host matter? Variable influence of host traits on parasitism rates. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Salkeld DJ. Vaccines for Conservation: Plague, Prairie Dogs & Black-Footed Ferrets as a Case Study. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:432-437. [PMID: 28879613 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is affected by plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, both directly, as a cause of mortality, and indirectly, because of the impacts of plague on its prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) prey base. Recent developments in vaccines and vaccine delivery have raised the possibility of plague control in prairie dog populations, thereby protecting ferret populations. A large-scale experimental investigation across the western US shows that sylvatic plague vaccine delivered in oral baits can increase prairie dog survival. In northern Colorado, an examination of the efficacy of insecticides to control fleas and plague vaccine shows that timing and method of plague control is important, with different implications for long-term and large-scale management of Y. pestis delivery. In both cases, the studies show that ambitious field-work and cross-sectoral collaboration can provide potential solutions to difficult issues of wildlife management, conservation and disease ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Salkeld
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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19
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Rocke TE, Tripp DW, Russell RE, Abbott RC, Richgels KLD, Matchett MR, Biggins DE, Griebel R, Schroeder G, Grassel SM, Pipkin DR, Cordova J, Kavalunas A, Maxfield B, Boulerice J, Miller MW. Sylvatic Plague Vaccine Partially Protects Prairie Dogs (Cynomys spp.) in Field Trials. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14. [PMID: 28643091 PMCID: PMC5662665 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, frequently afflicts prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), causing population declines and local extirpations. We tested the effectiveness of bait-delivered sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) in prairie dog colonies on 29 paired placebo and treatment plots (1-59 ha in size; average 16.9 ha) in 7 western states from 2013 to 2015. We compared relative abundance (using catch per unit effort (CPUE) as an index) and apparent survival of prairie dogs on 26 of the 29 paired plots, 12 with confirmed or suspected plague (Y. pestis positive carcasses or fleas). Even though plague mortality occurred in prairie dogs on vaccine plots, SPV treatment had an overall positive effect on CPUE in all three years, regardless of plague status. Odds of capturing a unique animal were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [C.I.] 1.02-1.19) times higher per trap day on vaccine-treated plots than placebo plots in 2013, 1.47 (95% C.I. 1.41-1.52) times higher in 2014 and 1.19 (95% C.I. 1.13-1.25) times higher in 2015. On pairs where plague occurred, odds of apparent survival were 1.76 (95% Bayesian credible interval [B.C.I.] 1.28-2.43) times higher on vaccine plots than placebo plots for adults and 2.41 (95% B.C.I. 1.72-3.38) times higher for juveniles. Our results provide evidence that consumption of vaccine-laden baits can protect prairie dogs against plague; however, further evaluation and refinement are needed to optimize SPV use as a management tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonie E Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA.
| | - Daniel W Tripp
- Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, 4330 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Robin E Russell
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Rachel C Abbott
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Katherine L D Richgels
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Marc R Matchett
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Lewistown, MT, USA
| | - Dean E Biggins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave, #C, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Greg Schroeder
- U.S. National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park, 26611 Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD, USA
| | - Shaun M Grassel
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Recreation, P.O. Box 246, Lower Brule, SD, USA
| | - David R Pipkin
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, Wildlife Services, WTAMU, P.O. Box 60277, Canyon, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Cordova
- Arizona Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 397, Seligman, AZ, USA
| | - Adam Kavalunas
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 1470 North Airport Rd., Cedar City, UT, USA
| | - Brian Maxfield
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 318 North Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT, USA
| | - Jesse Boulerice
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 528 South Adams Street, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Michael W Miller
- Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, 4330 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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20
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Tripp DW, Rocke TE, Runge JP, Abbott RC, Miller MW. Burrow Dusting or Oral Vaccination Prevents Plague-Associated Prairie Dog Colony Collapse. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:451-462. [PMID: 28643090 PMCID: PMC5662691 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Plague impacts prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and other sensitive wildlife species. We compared efficacy of prophylactic treatments (burrow dusting with deltamethrin or oral vaccination with recombinant "sylvatic plague vaccine" [RCN-F1/V307]) to placebo treatment in black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus) colonies. Between 2013 and 2015, we measured prairie dog apparent survival, burrow activity and flea abundance on triplicate plots ("blocks") receiving dust, vaccine or placebo treatment. Epizootic plague affected all three blocks but emerged asynchronously. Dust plots had fewer fleas per burrow (P < 0.0001), and prairie dogs captured on dust plots had fewer fleas (P < 0.0001) than those on vaccine or placebo plots. Burrow activity and prairie dog density declined sharply in placebo plots when epizootic plague emerged. Patterns in corresponding dust and vaccine plots were less consistent and appeared strongly influenced by timing of treatment applications relative to plague emergence. Deltamethrin or oral vaccination enhanced apparent survival within two blocks. Applying insecticide or vaccine prior to epizootic emergence blunted effects of plague on prairie dog survival and abundance, thereby preventing colony collapse. Successful plague mitigation will likely entail strategic combined uses of burrow dusting and oral vaccination within large colonies or colony complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Tripp
- Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, 4330 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80521-2153, USA.
| | - Tonie E Rocke
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Jonathan P Runge
- Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Terrestrial Resources Program, 317 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80526-2097, USA
| | - Rachel C Abbott
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Michael W Miller
- Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Health Program, 4330 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80521-2153, USA
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21
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Poché DM, Hartman D, Polyakova L, Poché RM. Efficacy of a fipronil bait in reducing the number of fleas (Oropsylla spp.) infesting wild black-tailed prairie dogs. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2017; 42:171-177. [PMID: 28504448 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) is a deadly zoonosis with black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) as a reservoir host in the United States. Systemic insecticides are a promising means of controlling the vectors, Oropsylla spp. fleas, infesting these prairie dogs, subsequently disrupting the Y. pestis cycle. The objective of this study was to conduct a field trial evaluating the efficacy of a grain rodent bait containing fipronil (0.005%) against fleas infesting prairie dogs. The study was performed in Larimer County, CO, where bait was applied to a treatment area containing a dense prairie dog population, three times over a three-week period. Prairie dogs were captured and combed for fleas during four study periods (pre-, mid-, 1st post-, and 2nd post-treatment). Results indicated the use of bait containing fipronil significantly reduced flea burden. The bait containing fipronil was determined to reduce the mean number of fleas per prairie dog >95% for a minimum of 52 days post-initial treatment application and 31 days post-final treatment application. These results suggest the potential for this form of treatment to reduce flea population density on prairie dogs, and subsequently plague transmission, among mammalian hosts across the United States and beyond.
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22
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Eads DA, Hoogland JL. Precipitation, Climate Change, and Parasitism of Prairie Dogs by Fleas that Transmit Plague. J Parasitol 2017; 103:309-319. [PMID: 28359175 DOI: 10.1645/16-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) are hematophagous ectoparasites that can reduce the fitness of vertebrate hosts. Laboratory populations of fleas decline under dry conditions, implying that populations of fleas will also decline when precipitation is scarce under natural conditions. If precipitation and hence vegetative production are reduced, however, then herbivorous hosts might suffer declines in body condition and have weakened defenses against fleas, so that fleas will increase in abundance. We tested these competing hypotheses using information from 23 yr of research on 3 species of colonial prairie dogs in the western United States: Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni, 1989-1994), Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens, 1996-2005), and white-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys leucurus, 2006-2012). For all 3 species, flea-counts per individual varied inversely with the number of days in the prior growing season with >10 mm of precipitation, an index of the number of precipitation events that might have caused a substantial, prolonged increase in soil moisture and vegetative production. Flea-counts per Utah prairie dog also varied inversely with cumulative precipitation of the prior growing season. Furthermore, flea-counts per Gunnison's and white-tailed prairie dog varied inversely with cumulative precipitation of the just-completed January and February. These results complement research on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) and might have important ramifications for plague, a bacterial disease transmitted by fleas that devastates populations of prairie dogs. In particular, our results might help to explain why, at some colonies, epizootics of plague, which can kill >95% of prairie dogs, are more likely to occur during or shortly after periods of reduced precipitation. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency of droughts in the grasslands of western North America. If so, then climate change might affect the occurrence of plague epizootics among prairie dogs and other mammalian species that associate with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Eads
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523. Correspondence should be sent to David A. Eads at:
| | - John L Hoogland
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523. Correspondence should be sent to David A. Eads at:
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