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https://hdl.handle.net/10388/12691

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Browsing Biology by Subject "Aetheca"

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    Comparison of flea diversity in the burrows of Richardson’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus richardsonii) in an urban and rural site in central Saskatchewan, Canada
    (Journal of Vector Ecology, 2024-09-20) Thoroughgood, Jessica T; Chilton, Neil B
    Spatial and temporal differences in the relative abundance of arthropod vectors is an important factor influencing the risk of disease for mammalian hosts. Seasonal changes in the diversity and abundance of fleas (Siphonaptera) in Richardson's ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii) burrows were studied at two sites in central Saskatchewan. A total of 225 fleas (151 at an urban site and 74 at a rural site) were collected. Flea prevalence differed among seasons at the urban site, but not at the rural site. Of the nine flea species detected (8 at the urban site and 6 at the rural site), Oropsylla rupestris, O. bruneri, O. labis, O. tuberculata and Aetheca wagneri are vectors of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. The presence and abundance of some fleas differed between sites and seasons. Neopsylla inopina and O. rupestris were the most abundant species at the urban site during the spring and summer (respectively), while O. bruneri was the most abundant species at the rural site. Our findings may have implications for the management of the black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in south-western Saskatchewan because they coexist with U. richardsonii, are hosts for Oropsylla, and are at great risk of plague exposure/infection.