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Tonie Rocke

Tonie Rocke is a Research Epidemiologist at the National Wildlife Health Center.

Science and Products

A small brown bat sits on the side of a tree

Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Vampire bats are the primary spreader of rabies, a lethal disease that harms livestock and people across Latin America. Growth of the livestock industry and environmental changes in this region are leading to the expansion of vampire bats’ habitat range, and it is considered likely this species will move into the southern United States.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Vampire bats are the primary spreader of rabies, a lethal disease that harms livestock and people across Latin America. Growth of the livestock industry and environmental changes in this region are leading to the expansion of vampire bats’ habitat range, and it is considered likely this species will move into the southern United States.
Learn More
Gloved hands holding a bat white glove scientists administers vaccine orally.

White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

Since its emergence in 2006, white-nose syndrome (WNS) continues to spread in North America and has substantially impacted hibernating bat populations, contributing to declines of over 90% in northern long-eared ( Myotis septentrionalis), little brown ( Myotis lucifugus), and tri-colored bat ( Perimyotis subflavus) populations. We are developing tools and management strategies to protect bat...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

Since its emergence in 2006, white-nose syndrome (WNS) continues to spread in North America and has substantially impacted hibernating bat populations, contributing to declines of over 90% in northern long-eared ( Myotis septentrionalis), little brown ( Myotis lucifugus), and tri-colored bat ( Perimyotis subflavus) populations. We are developing tools and management strategies to protect bat...
Learn More
Cluster of bats on a cave wall.

Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
Learn More
Image: Black-Footed Ferret

Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to infect and cause severe disease, such as respiratory distress and death, in mustelids, including farm-raised mink ( Mustela  lutreola and  Neovison  vison) and domestic ferrets ( M. putorius). This raised concern that the virus may also pose a threat to endangered black-footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) managed in captivity for breeding and recovery purposes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to infect and cause severe disease, such as respiratory distress and death, in mustelids, including farm-raised mink ( Mustela  lutreola and  Neovison  vison) and domestic ferrets ( M. putorius). This raised concern that the virus may also pose a threat to endangered black-footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) managed in captivity for breeding and recovery purposes.
Learn More
Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) in the Shipp Room, Hellhole cave

Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Bat Research Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (EESC) White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species ( Myotis spp.) in the eastern United States. Several mitigation tactics have been proposed to alleviate the effects of white-nose syndrome on bats including probiotics and vaccination. Questions...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Bat Research Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (EESC) White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species ( Myotis spp.) in the eastern United States. Several mitigation tactics have been proposed to alleviate the effects of white-nose syndrome on bats including probiotics and vaccination. Questions...
Learn More
Image: Plague Vaccine Bait

Vaccines

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) works on developing various disease management tools, including the development of vaccines. Our current work focuses on vaccines for sylvatic plague, white-nose syndrome, and rabies as disease control strategies.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Vaccines

Vaccines

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) works on developing various disease management tools, including the development of vaccines. Our current work focuses on vaccines for sylvatic plague, white-nose syndrome, and rabies as disease control strategies.
Learn More
Prairie dog and SPV bait

Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a bacterial disease transmitted by fleas that afflicts many mammalian species, including humans.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a bacterial disease transmitted by fleas that afflicts many mammalian species, including humans.
Learn More
Image: Bat with White-nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern across United States at an alarming rate.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
White-Nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern across United States at an alarming rate.
Learn More
Mosquito, species not verified

Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted from one animal to another by vectors, including insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas, and arachnids, such as ticks. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife diseases, including vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and sylvatic plague.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted from one animal to another by vectors, including insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas, and arachnids, such as ticks. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife diseases, including vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and sylvatic plague.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 16
No Result Found
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 135

Mapping monkeypox transmission risk through time and space in the Congo Basin Mapping monkeypox transmission risk through time and space in the Congo Basin

Monkeypox is a major public health concern in the Congo Basin area, with changing patterns of human case occurrences reported in recent years. Whether this trend results from better surveillance and detection methods, reduced proportions of vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated human populations, or changing environmental conditions remains unclear. Our objective is to examine potential...
Authors
Yoshinori J. Nakazawa, R. Ryan Lash, Darin S. Carroll, Inger K. Damon, Kevin L. Karem, Mary G. Reynolds, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke, Jean Malekani, Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Pierre Formenty, A. Townsend Peterson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine: A new tool for conservation of threatened and endangered species? Sylvatic plague vaccine: A new tool for conservation of threatened and endangered species?

Plague, a disease caused by Yersinia pestis introduced into North America about 100 years ago, is devastating to prairie dogs and the highly endangered black-footed ferret. Current attempts to control plague in these species have historically relied on insecticidal dusting of prairie dog burrows to kill the fleas that spread the disease. Although successful in curtailing outbreaks in...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Jorge E. Osorio, Christine M. Bunck, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine and management of prairie dogs Sylvatic plague vaccine and management of prairie dogs

Scientists at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Wisconsin (UW), have developed a sylvatic plague vaccine that shows great promise in protecting prairie dogs against plague (Mencher and others, 2004; Rocke and others, 2010). Four species of prairie dogs reside in the United States and Canada, and all are highly...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Plague Plague

Plague offers readers an overview of this highly complex disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. The history of the disease, as well as information about Yersinia pestis and its transmission by fleas, is described. The section Geographic Distribution presents areas of the world and United States where plague occurs most commonly in rodents and humans. Species Susceptibility...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Resistance to plague among black-tailed prairie dog populations Resistance to plague among black-tailed prairie dog populations

In some rodent species frequently exposed to plague outbreaks caused by Yersinia pestis, resistance to the disease has evolved as a population trait. As a first step in determining if plague resistance has developed in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), animals captured from colonies in a plague-free region (South Dakota) and two plague-endemic regions (Colorado and Texas)...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Judy Williamson, Kacy R. Cobble, Joseph D. Busch, Michael F. Antolin, David M. Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine: combating plague in prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets Sylvatic plague vaccine: combating plague in prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets

After achieving promising results in laboratory trials, researchers at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) and University of Wisconsin at Madison will soon begin field testing a new oral vaccine for sylvatic plague, a devastating disease affecting prairie dogs and other mammals, particularly the endangered black-footed ferret. Our team has developed and is currently...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Rachel C. Abbott
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Assessment of a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine intended to protect Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from plague Assessment of a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine intended to protect Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from plague

As part of an ongoing restoration program in Colorado, USA, we evaluated adverse reactions and seroconversion in captive Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) after vaccination with a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. Ten adult female lynx received the F1-V vaccine; 10 source- and age-matched lynx remained unvaccinated as controls...
Authors
Lisa L. Wolfe, Tanya M. Shenk, Bradford Powell, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys Gunnisoni) during plague outbreaks Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys Gunnisoni) during plague outbreaks

Over the past 40 yr, epizootics of plague (Yersinia pestis) in northern Arizona have reduced populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), with the exception of a large population found in the Aubrey Valley (AV). To examine potential mechanisms accounting for their survival, we collected prairie dog serum samples in 2005–2006 from AV and a neighboring population near...
Authors
Joseph D. Busch, Roger Van Andel, Jennifer Cordova, Rebecca E. Colman, Paul Keim, Tonie E. Rocke, Jeff G. Leid, William E. Van Pelt, David M. Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans) Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans)

Although Yersinia pestis is classified as a "high-virulence" pathogen, some host species are variably susceptible to disease. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit mild, if any, symptoms during infection, but antibody production occurs postinfection. This immune response has been reported to be against the F1 capsule, although little subsequent characterization has been conducted. To further...
Authors
G. Vernati, W.H. Edwards, Tonie E. Rocke, S.F. Little, G.P. Andrews
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens

The disease-associated prion protein (PrP(TSE)), the probable etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), is resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment. Lichens, mutualistic symbioses containing fungi, algae, bacteria and occasionally cyanobacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and have evolved unique biological activities allowing...
Authors
C.J. Johnson, J. P. Bennett, S.M. Biro, J.C. Duque-Velasquez, C.M. Rodriguez, R. A. Bessen, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens. Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens.

The disease-associated prion protein (PrPTSE), the probable etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), is resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment. Lichens, mutualistic symbioses containing fungi, algae, bacteria and occasionally cyanobacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and have evolved unique biological activities allowing their...
Authors
Christopher J. Johnson, James P. Bennett, S.M. Biro, J. C. Duque-Velasquez, Cynthia M. Rodriguez, R. A. Bessen, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of Rhodamine B as a biomarker for oral plague vaccination of prairie dogs Use of Rhodamine B as a biomarker for oral plague vaccination of prairie dogs

Oral vaccination against Yersinia pestis could provide a feasible approach for controlling plague in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) for conservation and public health purposes. Biomarkers are useful in wildlife vaccination programs to demonstrate exposure to vaccine baits. Rhodamine B (RB) was tested as a potential biomarker for oral plague vaccination because it allows nonlethal sampling...
Authors
Julia Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Science and Products

A small brown bat sits on the side of a tree

Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Vampire bats are the primary spreader of rabies, a lethal disease that harms livestock and people across Latin America. Growth of the livestock industry and environmental changes in this region are leading to the expansion of vampire bats’ habitat range, and it is considered likely this species will move into the southern United States.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Dynamics of Rabies Transmission in Vampire Bats and Potential for Control Through Vaccination

Vampire bats are the primary spreader of rabies, a lethal disease that harms livestock and people across Latin America. Growth of the livestock industry and environmental changes in this region are leading to the expansion of vampire bats’ habitat range, and it is considered likely this species will move into the southern United States.
Learn More
Gloved hands holding a bat white glove scientists administers vaccine orally.

White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

Since its emergence in 2006, white-nose syndrome (WNS) continues to spread in North America and has substantially impacted hibernating bat populations, contributing to declines of over 90% in northern long-eared ( Myotis septentrionalis), little brown ( Myotis lucifugus), and tri-colored bat ( Perimyotis subflavus) populations. We are developing tools and management strategies to protect bat...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

White-nose Syndrome Vaccine Updates

Since its emergence in 2006, white-nose syndrome (WNS) continues to spread in North America and has substantially impacted hibernating bat populations, contributing to declines of over 90% in northern long-eared ( Myotis septentrionalis), little brown ( Myotis lucifugus), and tri-colored bat ( Perimyotis subflavus) populations. We are developing tools and management strategies to protect bat...
Learn More
Cluster of bats on a cave wall.

Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

Field trials for testing of white-nose syndrome vaccine candidates

White-nose syndrome (WNS), caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), continues to decimate bat populations in North America, and efforts to develop treatment options have intensified. One potential method for controlling WNS is vaccination of bats with specific antigens to elicit a protective immune response.
Learn More
Image: Black-Footed Ferret

Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to infect and cause severe disease, such as respiratory distress and death, in mustelids, including farm-raised mink ( Mustela  lutreola and  Neovison  vison) and domestic ferrets ( M. putorius). This raised concern that the virus may also pose a threat to endangered black-footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) managed in captivity for breeding and recovery purposes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to support black-footed ferret conservation

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to infect and cause severe disease, such as respiratory distress and death, in mustelids, including farm-raised mink ( Mustela  lutreola and  Neovison  vison) and domestic ferrets ( M. putorius). This raised concern that the virus may also pose a threat to endangered black-footed ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) managed in captivity for breeding and recovery purposes.
Learn More
Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) in the Shipp Room, Hellhole cave

Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Bat Research Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (EESC) White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species ( Myotis spp.) in the eastern United States. Several mitigation tactics have been proposed to alleviate the effects of white-nose syndrome on bats including probiotics and vaccination. Questions...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics

Bat Research Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (EESC) White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species ( Myotis spp.) in the eastern United States. Several mitigation tactics have been proposed to alleviate the effects of white-nose syndrome on bats including probiotics and vaccination. Questions...
Learn More
Image: Plague Vaccine Bait

Vaccines

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) works on developing various disease management tools, including the development of vaccines. Our current work focuses on vaccines for sylvatic plague, white-nose syndrome, and rabies as disease control strategies.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Vaccines

Vaccines

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) works on developing various disease management tools, including the development of vaccines. Our current work focuses on vaccines for sylvatic plague, white-nose syndrome, and rabies as disease control strategies.
Learn More
Prairie dog and SPV bait

Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a bacterial disease transmitted by fleas that afflicts many mammalian species, including humans.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic Plague

Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a bacterial disease transmitted by fleas that afflicts many mammalian species, including humans.
Learn More
Image: Bat with White-nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern across United States at an alarming rate.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
White-Nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern across United States at an alarming rate.
Learn More
Mosquito, species not verified

Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted from one animal to another by vectors, including insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas, and arachnids, such as ticks. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife diseases, including vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and sylvatic plague.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, National Wildlife Health Center
Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-Borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases are transmitted from one animal to another by vectors, including insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas, and arachnids, such as ticks. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife diseases, including vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus and sylvatic plague.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 16
No Result Found
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 135

Mapping monkeypox transmission risk through time and space in the Congo Basin Mapping monkeypox transmission risk through time and space in the Congo Basin

Monkeypox is a major public health concern in the Congo Basin area, with changing patterns of human case occurrences reported in recent years. Whether this trend results from better surveillance and detection methods, reduced proportions of vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated human populations, or changing environmental conditions remains unclear. Our objective is to examine potential...
Authors
Yoshinori J. Nakazawa, R. Ryan Lash, Darin S. Carroll, Inger K. Damon, Kevin L. Karem, Mary G. Reynolds, Jorge E. Osorio, Tonie E. Rocke, Jean Malekani, Jean-Jacques Muyembe, Pierre Formenty, A. Townsend Peterson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine: A new tool for conservation of threatened and endangered species? Sylvatic plague vaccine: A new tool for conservation of threatened and endangered species?

Plague, a disease caused by Yersinia pestis introduced into North America about 100 years ago, is devastating to prairie dogs and the highly endangered black-footed ferret. Current attempts to control plague in these species have historically relied on insecticidal dusting of prairie dog burrows to kill the fleas that spread the disease. Although successful in curtailing outbreaks in...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Jorge E. Osorio, Christine M. Bunck, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine and management of prairie dogs Sylvatic plague vaccine and management of prairie dogs

Scientists at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Wisconsin (UW), have developed a sylvatic plague vaccine that shows great promise in protecting prairie dogs against plague (Mencher and others, 2004; Rocke and others, 2010). Four species of prairie dogs reside in the United States and Canada, and all are highly...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Plague Plague

Plague offers readers an overview of this highly complex disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. The history of the disease, as well as information about Yersinia pestis and its transmission by fleas, is described. The section Geographic Distribution presents areas of the world and United States where plague occurs most commonly in rodents and humans. Species Susceptibility...
Authors
Rachel C. Abbott, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Resistance to plague among black-tailed prairie dog populations Resistance to plague among black-tailed prairie dog populations

In some rodent species frequently exposed to plague outbreaks caused by Yersinia pestis, resistance to the disease has evolved as a population trait. As a first step in determining if plague resistance has developed in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), animals captured from colonies in a plague-free region (South Dakota) and two plague-endemic regions (Colorado and Texas)...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Judy Williamson, Kacy R. Cobble, Joseph D. Busch, Michael F. Antolin, David M. Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Sylvatic plague vaccine: combating plague in prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets Sylvatic plague vaccine: combating plague in prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets

After achieving promising results in laboratory trials, researchers at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) and University of Wisconsin at Madison will soon begin field testing a new oral vaccine for sylvatic plague, a devastating disease affecting prairie dogs and other mammals, particularly the endangered black-footed ferret. Our team has developed and is currently...
Authors
Tonie E. Rocke, Rachel C. Abbott
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Assessment of a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine intended to protect Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from plague Assessment of a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine intended to protect Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) from plague

As part of an ongoing restoration program in Colorado, USA, we evaluated adverse reactions and seroconversion in captive Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) after vaccination with a recombinant F1-V fusion protein vaccine against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. Ten adult female lynx received the F1-V vaccine; 10 source- and age-matched lynx remained unvaccinated as controls...
Authors
Lisa L. Wolfe, Tanya M. Shenk, Bradford Powell, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys Gunnisoni) during plague outbreaks Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys Gunnisoni) during plague outbreaks

Over the past 40 yr, epizootics of plague (Yersinia pestis) in northern Arizona have reduced populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), with the exception of a large population found in the Aubrey Valley (AV). To examine potential mechanisms accounting for their survival, we collected prairie dog serum samples in 2005–2006 from AV and a neighboring population near...
Authors
Joseph D. Busch, Roger Van Andel, Jennifer Cordova, Rebecca E. Colman, Paul Keim, Tonie E. Rocke, Jeff G. Leid, William E. Van Pelt, David M. Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans) Antigenic profiling of Yersinia pestis infection in the Wyoming coyote (Canis latrans)

Although Yersinia pestis is classified as a "high-virulence" pathogen, some host species are variably susceptible to disease. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit mild, if any, symptoms during infection, but antibody production occurs postinfection. This immune response has been reported to be against the F1 capsule, although little subsequent characterization has been conducted. To further...
Authors
G. Vernati, W.H. Edwards, Tonie E. Rocke, S.F. Little, G.P. Andrews
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens

The disease-associated prion protein (PrP(TSE)), the probable etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), is resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment. Lichens, mutualistic symbioses containing fungi, algae, bacteria and occasionally cyanobacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and have evolved unique biological activities allowing...
Authors
C.J. Johnson, J. P. Bennett, S.M. Biro, J.C. Duque-Velasquez, C.M. Rodriguez, R. A. Bessen, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens. Degradation of the disease-associated prion protein by a serine protease from lichens.

The disease-associated prion protein (PrPTSE), the probable etiological agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), is resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment. Lichens, mutualistic symbioses containing fungi, algae, bacteria and occasionally cyanobacteria, are ubiquitous in the environment and have evolved unique biological activities allowing their...
Authors
Christopher J. Johnson, James P. Bennett, S.M. Biro, J. C. Duque-Velasquez, Cynthia M. Rodriguez, R. A. Bessen, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center

Use of Rhodamine B as a biomarker for oral plague vaccination of prairie dogs Use of Rhodamine B as a biomarker for oral plague vaccination of prairie dogs

Oral vaccination against Yersinia pestis could provide a feasible approach for controlling plague in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) for conservation and public health purposes. Biomarkers are useful in wildlife vaccination programs to demonstrate exposure to vaccine baits. Rhodamine B (RB) was tested as a potential biomarker for oral plague vaccination because it allows nonlethal sampling...
Authors
Julia Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez, Tonie E. Rocke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, National Wildlife Health Center
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