The significance of fleas (Siphonaptera) in the natural plague foci

Abstract

The role of fleas in the manifestations of plague epizootics in the natural plague foci in Russia and adjacent states is discussed. The specific conditions of pathogen transmission in each focus are determined by the vital activities of several species of fleas that are parasites of the main plague carrier. These fleas have the nidicolous type of parasitism, facilitating wide spread of the plague microbe in the focus. Most of the natural plague foci include more than one vector species. The most intense epizootic outbreaks in each focus occur during the periods of active feeding and reproduction of the flea vectors