This is an immediate need, not a study to do when it is convenient if we are to continue efforts in the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, swift fox or the conservative management of burrowing owls, mountain plovers, ferruginous hawk, etc. Northwest Colorado may be a better site than Montana for the research, because plague seems to be more prevalent. John had no objection to using Colorado sites for tests, but availability of chemicals is problematic. The University of Wyoming is completing a study of the flea sterilant pyriproxifen at the Rocky mountain Arsenal, with disappointing results. All species of prairie dogs comprising ferret habitat are known to be subject to massive mortality due to epizootics of plague.
Interdisciplinary teamwork is critical.
CDC has a long-standing interest in the subject, but has funding only for issues of public health. MESC submitted a proposal to the Colorado working group for testing methods of flea control, and their effects on non-target species. That proposal is contingent on finding adequate funding, and on availability of potential chemical agents. All are problematic. The study could begin as early as summer, 1999.