Accession Number:

AD0744588

Title:

Susceptibility of Rodents to Oral Plague Infection: A Mechanism for the Persistence of Plague in Inter-Epidemic Periods

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

WALTER REED ARMY INST OF RESEARCH WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Rust, James H., Jr.
• Harrison, Daniel N.
• Marshall, John D., Jr.
• Cavanaugh, D. C.

Report Date:

1971-09-07

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

Oral infection of rodents with Pasteurella pestis has been demonstrated with both fully virulent and avirulent strains. Sustained rodent plague epizootics have been initiated and maintained in the absence of the classical flea vector. Transmission was due to cannibalism of the dying rodents by their healthy cagemates. Oral infection is considered to provide a plausible mechanism for the persistence of plague in an area where conditions are temporarily unsuitable for flea transmission.

Descriptors:

• *RODENTS
• *EPIDEMIOLOGY
• *YERSINIA PESTIS
• INFECTIOUS DISEASES
• DISEASE VECTORS

Subject Categories:

• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE