Prairie Wildlife Research
PO Box 308
Wellington, CO 80549
970.219.1659
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What is plague?
Does plague harm black-footed ferrets?
How did it get to Conata Basin, South
Dakota?
What can be done to stop plague in Conata
Basin?
How many black-footed ferrets are in
Conata Basin?
Will plague destroy the Conata Basin black-footed ferret population?
Where can I learn more about plague?
What can I do to help?
What
is plague?
Plague is a bacterial disease that is fatal to many species including humans. In
the Middle Ages millions of Europeans died of plague transmitted by fleas on
rats. Plague is not native to North America but was brought by rats on ships
from Asia in the early 1900’s to California. Since then it has spread across the
western United States.
Does plague harm black-footed ferrets?
Yes, black-footed ferrets die from plague-infected flea bites, ingesting
plague-killed prairie dogs, or through oral/nasal contact with another
plague-infected animal. It is absolutely fatal to black-footed ferrets and their
primary prey, prairie dogs.
How did it get to Conata Basin, South Dakota?
We don’t fully understand how plague moves in the environment but we suspect
that plague-infected fleas are moved across the landscape on animals such as
birds and coyotes. In 2005 a plague outbreak was discovered in Shannon County,
South Dakota, approximately 30 miles south of Conata Basin. Although we cannot
know for sure, it was likely transported by wild animals to Conata Basin.
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What
can be done to stop plague in Conata Basin?
Prairie Wildlife Research is working closely on the ground with several
government agencies to halt the spread of plague in Conata Basin. Our
methods include spraying flea killing dust in prairie dog burrows and
vaccinating black-footed ferrets against plague. Both methods are
labor-intensive but have shown to be effective in reducing plague. We
need to act quickly before plague spreads any further. As of May 20th
plague has affected approximately 10% of Conata Basin and will likely
impact more unless we act quickly.
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How many black-footed ferrets are
in Conata Basin?
In 2007 Prairie Wildlife Research counted 291 black-footed ferrets in
Conata Basin, the highest number ever counted.
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Will plague destroy the Conata Basin black-footed ferret population?
Plague does have the potential to destroy the black-footed
ferret population in Conata Basin unless we act quickly and efficiently.
This will also be a long-term fight because plague can persist in an area
for several years and come back in periodic outbreaks.
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Where can I learn more about plague?
The Centers for Disease Control have an excellent website with more
information about plague
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/plague/
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What can I do to help?
Your support is needed more than ever. Primarily we need funds to put our
biologists and volunteers in the field. Sponsoring a black-footed ferret
through our
adoption program is a great way to support our labor costs. With the
rising price of gas we are also in need of funds for fuel (for our trucks and
all-terrain vehicles). Local gas stations near Conata Basin include Phillips
66, BP/Amoco and Exxon or
Visa gift cards would also work very well to purchase fuel. And of course
tell everyone you know about black-footed ferrets and educate others about
this special endangered animal. We truly appreciate your support and will
continue to work our hardest to ensure black-footed ferrets roam the prairie.
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If you have suggestions for more FAQs, please email your question to: info@prairiewildlife.org