Deltamethrin flea-control preserves genetic variability of black-tailed prairie dogs during a plague outbreak

Abstract

Genetic variability and structure of nine blacktailed prairie dog (BTPD, Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies were estimated with 15 unlinked microsatellite markers. A plague epizootic occurred between the first and second years of sampling and our study colonies were nearly extirpated with the exception of three colonies in which prairie dog burrows were previously dusted with an insecticide, deltamethrin, used to control fleas (vectors of the causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis). This situation provided context to compare genetic variability and structure among dusted and non-dusted colonies pre-epizootic, and among the three dusted colonies pre-and postepizootic. We found no statistical difference in population genetic structures between dusted and non-dusted colonies pre-epizootic. On dusted colonies, gene flow and recent migration rates increased from the first (pre-epizootic) year to the second (post-epizootic) year which suggested dusted colonies were acting as refugia for prairie dogs from surrounding colonies impacted by plague. Indeed, in the dusted colonies, estimated densities of adult prairie dogs (including dispersers), but not juveniles (non-dispersers), increased from the first year to the second year. In addition to preserving BTPDs and many species that depend on them, protecting colonies with deltamethrin or a plague vaccine could be an effective method to preserve genetic variability of prairie dogs.

Plague management of prairie dog colonies: degree and duration of deltamethrin flea control

“…DeltaDust® has a demonstrated record of protecting PDs against plague (Biggins et al , Jones et al , Tripp et al , , Griebel , ). Also, DeltaDust® can protect endangered black‐footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes ), specialized predators of PDs that are directly susceptible to infection (Matchett et al ).…”

“…The most widely used deltamethrin dust is reportedly waterproof but, like other insecticide dusts, degrades over time. Field studies demonstrate that deltamethrin can increase survival rates for PDs (Biggins et al , Tripp et al ) and maintain PD population genetic diversity (Jones et al ). Much remains to be learned about the degree and duration of deltamethrin efficacy for different PD species and under varying application conditions.…”

Grooming behaviors of black‐tailed prairie dogs are influenced by flea parasitism, conspecifics, and proximity to refuge

“…The dust (DeltaDust ® ; Bayer Environmental Science, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) is a synthetic pyrethroid that reduces densities of fleas and other ectoparasitic arthropods (Biggins et al., ). The dust has not been observed to have harmful effects on BTPDs; the dust protects BTPDs from plague, thereby improving survival rates and preserving genetic variability within populations (Biggins et al., ; Jones, Biggins, Eads, Eads, & Britten, ). In May 2006, we redusted burrows inside and within 100 m of our predefined areas of observation (approximately 7 ha and 8 ha) in the dusted colonies.…”

“…The dust (DeltaDust ® ; Bayer Environmental Science, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) is a synthetic pyrethroid that reduces densities of fleas and other ectoparasitic arthropods . The dust has not been observed to have harmful effects on BTPDs; the dust protects BTPDs from plague, thereby improving survival rates and preserving genetic variability within populations Jones, Biggins, Eads, Eads, & Britten, 2012). In May 2006, we redusted bur- Approximately 1 week after treating the dusted colonies in 2006, and continuing into early-June, we trapped a sample of BTPDs on all colonies to count fleas and other ectoparasites, and mark animals for identification.…”

Biology and Diseases of Other Rodents

“…BSL3 (respiratory precautions) conditions, although animal housing and handling of diagnostic materials can be performed at BSL2 (Chosewood and Wilson, 2009). Dusting with deltamethrin, a pyrethrin-type insecticide, was successfully used to control plague in prairie dogs in a field setting during an epizootic outbreak (Jones et al, 2012). Although not reported in captive populations, this agent should be a consideration in field studies or when working with wild-caught prairie dogs.…”