Messick J P, Smith G W, Barnes A M
J Wildl Dis. 1983 Jan;19(1):1-6. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-19.1.1.
Serologic testing of badgers (Taxidea taxus) was used to monitor plague (Yersinia pestis) in a Townsend ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendi) population in 10,000 ha of the Snake River Birds of Prey Study Area, Idaho. Eighty-six percent of the 294 sera tested in 1975 and in 1976 were positive. Significantly fewer (72%) seropositives occurred in 1977. Seasonal changes in the percentage of seropositives and the decline in 1977 were probably due to the phenology of the Townsend ground squirrel and the proportion of that species in the badger's diet. Eight Townsend ground squirrels found dead had positive bacteriologic tests for plague; however, a high mortality in the ground squirrel population was not observed. Food habits and movement patterns of badgers made them ideal for documenting the geographical and temporal characteristics of the plague focus.
对獾（美洲獾）进行血清学检测，以监测爱达荷州蛇河猛禽研究区10000公顷范围内汤森地松鼠种群中的鼠疫（耶尔森氏鼠疫杆菌）情况。1975年和1976年检测的294份血清中，86%呈阳性。1977年血清阳性的比例显著减少（72%）。血清阳性比例的季节性变化以及1977年的下降可能是由于汤森地松鼠的物候现象以及该物种在獾的食物中所占比例。发现8只死亡的汤森地松鼠鼠疫细菌学检测呈阳性；然而，未观察到地松鼠种群的高死亡率。獾的食性和活动模式使其成为记录鼠疫疫源地地理和时间特征的理想对象。
