Report Insight

In June of 1956 at Dugway Proving Ground Dr. J. Osborne gave a talk on epidemiological aspects of BW safety. He reported that coyotes (Canis latrans) were very resistant to anthrax, but would harbor Francisella tularensis, the etiological agent of tularemia, for at least 80 days without apparent illness. The common rabbit tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalastris) could carry and transmit tularemia, and Fr. Tularensis could pass through at least one molt. The majority of rodents was susceptible to tularemia and were carriers; one exception was the kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merrlami). Sheep in the Dugway area had antibodies to brucellosis and tularemia. Q fever was uncommon among sheep but found in cattle. Anthrax was found on rare occasions in cattle of Utah.