Arthropod Vectors and Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Yosemite National Park

A study of arthropod vectors and vector-borne bacterial pathogens in Yosemite National Park from 2005 to 2007 identified exposure to multiple pathogens in diverse small mammal species. Notably, 12.1% of tested animals showed exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum across 10 species, while 13.9% exhibited exposure to spotted fever group Rickettsia spp., and 37.0% of rodents in five species were seropositive for Borrelia burgdorferi. No individuals tested positive for Yersinia pestis or any pathogen via PCR. The research collected 450 unique small mammal captures, identifying 16 flea and 10 tick species, including known vectors for these pathogens. This study provides critical baseline data for predicting emerging vector-borne diseases in the park and expands knowledge of arthropod host ranges in California.

Fleer, K. A., Foley, P., Calder, L., & Foley, J. E. (2011). Arthropod Vectors and Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Yosemite National Park. Journal of Medical Entomology, 48(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1603/me10040