Ecological disruptions due to the invasion of plague in North American are widespread. Our research was initially motivated by the effects of this disease on the conservation of federally listed prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. We are investigating the ecology of plague under enzootic and epizootic conditions and assessing the efficacy of an experimental plague vaccine for prairie dogs. The vaccine research will involve distributing vaccine and placebo baits on paired prairie dog colonies and comparing subsequent survival rates of prairie dogs. We will capture and mark many prairie dogs and will collect fleas, blood, and other samples. Other studies will involve manipulating plague through use of experimental plague vaccines and flea control, and comparing subsequent survival rates o

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