Sylvatic plague vaccine partially protects prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in field trials

Tonie E. Rocke; Daniel W. Tripp; Robin E. Russell; Rachel C. Abbott; Katherine Richgels; Marc R. Matchett; Dean E. Biggins; Randall Griebel; Greg Schroeder; Shaun M. Grassel; David R. Pipkin; Jennifer Cordova; Adam Kavalunas; Brian Maxfield; Jesse T. Boulerice; Michael W. Miller

doi:10.1007/s10393-017-1253-x

Sylvatic plague vaccine partially protects prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in field trials

EcoHealth

By: Tonie E. Rocke, Daniel W. Tripp, Robin E. Russell, Rachel C. Abbott, Katherine Richgels, Marc R. Matchett, Dean E. Biggins, Randall Griebel, Greg Schroeder, Shaun M. Grassel, David R. Pipkin, Jennifer Cordova, Adam Kavalunas, Brian Maxfield, Jesse T. Boulerice, and Michael W. Miller

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-017-1253-x

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- Field efficacy trials with sylvatic plague vaccine
- USGS data release
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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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Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Sylvatic plague vaccine partially protects prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) in field trials
Series title	EcoHealth
DOI	10.1007/s10393-017-1253-x
Volume	14
Issue	3
Year Published	2017
Language	English
Publisher	Springer
Contributing office(s)	National Wildlife Health Center
Description	13 p.; Data Release
First page	438
Last page	450
Country	United States
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page