Canada: One instance of sylvatic plague reported in Grassland NP's prairie dog population
Despite the confirmation of the Sylvatic Plague in a single carcass of a Black Tailed Prairie Dog at the park, Grasslands National Park continues to welcome visitors as usual. As SWTV News first reported on Friday,as a precautionary measure, Parks Canada is advising the public of a single Prairie Dog mortality in Grasslands National Park, which has been confirmed as a result of Sylvatic Plague.
Sylvatic plague is a rare but naturally occurring disease in native wildlife, primarily affecting ground squirrels throughout the Southern prairies. Grasslands National Park Remains Open for public enjoyment and use. The black-tailed prairie dog carcass was found on the edge of the Larson prairie dog colony and away from the road, in the park. Parks Canada continues to monitor all prairie dog colonies in the area and the rest of the Larson prairie dog colony continues to be active and appears normal.