Serologic testing of badgers to monitor plague in southwestern Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Messick, John P.; Smith, Graham W.; Barnes, Allan M.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Diseases, Wildlife Disease Association, Volume 19, Issue 1, p.1-6 (1983)

Call Number:

A83MES01IDUS

Keywords:

badgers, plague, Spermophilus townsendii, Taxidea taxus, Townsend ground squirrel, Yersinia pestis

Abstract:

Serologic testing of badgers (Taxidea taxus) was used to monitor plague (Yersinia pestis) in a Townsend ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) population in 10,000 ha of the Snake River Birds of Prey Study Area, Idaho. Eighty-six percent of the 294 sera tested in 1975 and in 1976 were positive. Significantly fewer (72%) seropositives occurred in 1977. Seasonal changes in the percentage of seropositives and the decline in 1977 were probably due to the phenology of the Townsend ground squirrel and the proportion of that species in the badger's diet. Eight Townsend ground squirrels found dead had positive bacteriologic tests for plague; however, a high mortality in the ground squirrel population was not observed. Food habits and movement patterns of badgers made them ideal for documenting the geographical and temporal characteristics of the plague focus.

Notes:

Reference Code: A83MES01IDUS

Full Citation: Messick, J. P., G. W. Smith, and A. M. Barnes. 1983. Serologic testing of badgers to monitor plague in southwestern Idaho. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 19(1): 1-6.

Location: ANIMAL EF: MAMMALS

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