Comparison of flea diversity in the burrows of Richardson's ground squirrels () in urban and rural sites in central Saskatchewan, Canada.

Spatial and temporal differences in the relative abundance of arthropod vectors are important factors that influence the risk of disease for mammalian hosts. Seasonal changes in the diversity and abundance of fleas (Siphonaptera) in Richardson's ground squirrel () 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 (eight at the urban site and six at the rural site), , , , and are vectors of , the causative agent of plague. The presence and abundance of some fleas differed between sites and seasons. and were the most abundant species at the urban site during the spring and summer, respectively, while was the most abundant species at the rural site. Our findings may have implications for the management of the black-tailed prairie dogs () in southwestern Saskatchewan because they coexist with , are hosts for , and are at great risk of plague exposure/infection.