Protection of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) against plague after voluntary consumption of baits containing recombinant raccoon poxvirus vaccine

J.S. Mencher; S.R. Smith; T.D. Powell; D.T. Stinchcomb; J.E. Osorio; Tonie E. Rocke

doi:10.1128/iai.72.9.5502-5505.2004

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Protection of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) against plague after voluntary consumption of baits containing recombinant raccoon poxvirus vaccine

J.S. Mencher·S.R. Smith·T.D. Powell·D.T. Stinchcomb·J.E. Osorio·Tonie E. Rocke

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Abstract

Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) are highly susceptible to Yersinia pestis and significant reservoirs of plague for humans in the western United States. A recombinant raccoon poxvirus, expressing the F1 antigen of Y. pestis, was incorporated into a palatable bait and offered to 18 black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) for voluntary consumption; 18 negative control animals received placebo baits. Antibody titers against Y. pestis F1 antigen increased significantly (P < 0.01) in vaccinees, and their survival was significantly higher upon challenge with Y. pestis than that of negative controls (P < 0.01).

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J.S. Mencher, S.R. Smith, T.D. Powell, D.T. Stinchcomb, J.E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke. 2004. Protection of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) against plague after voluntary consumption of baits containing recombinant raccoon poxvirus vaccine. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.72.9.5502-5505.2004

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