Plague Epidemiological Surveillance, Vandenberg AFB, California. Part I. Descriptive Report of Surveillance Program with Special Emphasis on Estracorporeal Fleas from Ground Squirrel Burrows.
Abstract
With respect to plaque potential, Vandenberg Air Force Base is considered to be one of six high risk military installations in the Western U.S. A survey of free-living fleas in ground squirrel burrows on Vandenberg Air Force Base was conducted during the period 1977-1980 as part of a cooperative U.S. Air Force-California plaque surveillance program. Diamanus montanus was the numerically dominant flea throughout the study period. Dominant populations of Hoplopsyllus anomalus were not observed during the summer months as is recorded for other areas of the state. It is hypothesized that the cool, moist coastal summer climate may be a major ecological factor which depresses the Hopolopsyllus population. The fact that Diamanus sp. predominates throughout the year is noteworthy as it is the most viable vector for plague transmission among the ground squirrel populations and to humans interfacing with the ground squirrel habitat. Laboratory cultures of pooled fleas for Yersinia pestis were always negative, however, serological surveys of wild mammals from the base have generated twelve positive plaque titers since the programs inception in 1977. Major die-offs of ground squirrels have not occurred on the base within the recent past.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA128583
Entities
People
- Larry D. Brown
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology