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Hoogland, J. L., S. Davis, S. Benson-Amram, D. LaBruna, B. Goossens, and M. A. Hoogland. 2004. Pyraperm halts plague among Utah prairie dogs. Southwestern Naturalist 49:376-383. In a Nutshell: Problem - The plague ("Black Death") of 1348-1349 killed 40% of Europe's human population, and was perhaps the greatest epidemiological disaster in world history. Plague is currently having a similar catastrophic effect on populations of the Utah prairie dog ( Cynomys parvidens ), a colonial, herbivorous species that inhabits sections of southwestern Utah and is in acute danger of extinction. Strategy - Because fleas (Siphonaptera) are the most common vectors of plague, controlling fleas might protect Utah prairie dogs, and people who live near colonies, against plague. To test this hypothesis at a study colony of Utah prairie dogs where an epidemic of plague had just begun, we infused burrows with an insecticide-dust called Pyraperm. Findings - Fleas were common on Utah prairie dogs at the study colony before infusions with Pyraperm, but vanished immediately afterwards. More important, no Utah prairie dog showed symptoms of plague or inexplicably disappeared after infusions. Our results provide the first unambiguous proof that killing fleas safeguards Utah prairie dogs against plague . Pyraperm also protects people against plague from sick Utah prairie dogs and their fleas. The Utah Prairie Dog Recovery Team has accepted my recommendation to infuse burrows with Pyraperm as a prophylatic against plague. |
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