Epizootic Activity of Natural Foci of Tularemia in Three Territories of the Arctic Zone

Relevance. Tundra natural foci of tularemia are epizootically active. They are supported mainly by populations of endemics – ungulate and Siberian lemmings. However, studies of natural foci of tularemia in the Arctic zone were and are irregular. Recently, in connection with the intensification of economic development of the Far North, the study of the spread and circulation of natural focal infections, including tularemia, has become particularly important.
Goal Target. Assessment of epizootic activity of natural foci of tundra-type tularemia in three territories of the Arctic zone: island Shokalsky, coast of Knipovich Bay, island Wrangel.
Materials and methods. A comprehensive study of 379 raptor prey bird pellet samples in the summers of 2015 and 2019 was carried out on island Wrangel, in 2019 – on the island Shokalsky and on the coast of Knipovich Bay (Taimyr).
Results. A study of field material revealed the presence of tularemia antigen and DNA of the causative agent of tularemia in the pellets of prey birds collected throughout the surveyed territory of the Arctic. Epizootically active tundra natural foci of tularemia exist in the three surveyed territories of the Arctic zone, which are supported by populations of lemmings, the main carriers. This indicates a high risk of human infection in contact with natural foci. Confirmation of actively functioning natural foci of tularemia on the island Wrangel, as well as newly discovered outbreaks on the island Shokalsky and the coastal areas of Knipovich Bay necessitate vaccination of people permanently living and staying in these territories.
Conclusion. Natural foci of tundra-type tularemia were identified on the surveyed territories of Shokalsky Island and Knipovich Bay. Studies of pellets of prey birds and tubular bones from pellets collected on Wrangel Island confirmed previously identified active natural foci of tundra-type tularemia and the continuity of the epizootic process in this territory. Epizootics of tularemia in tundra-type foci may occur continuously due to the high ecological plasticity of the pathogen to various environmental factors and are stable. The presence and epizootic activity of natural foci of tularemia in the Far North indicate a high epidemiological risk for people visiting these territories.

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