PYRAPERM KILLS FLEAS AND HALTS PLAGUE AMONG UTAH PRAIRIE DOGS

Abstract

Plague is an introduced bacterial disease whose primary vectors are fleas (Siphonaptera). Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens) are highly susceptible to plague, and entire colonies usually disappear shortly after plague arrives. Infusion of burrows with Pyraperm (an insecticide-dust) kills fleas and immediately halts the spread of plague within colonies. Thus, insecticide-dusts might play an important role in the conservation of prairie dogs.