Результаты изучения природных очагов туляремии в Крыму

We analyzed the observations' results of natural foci of tularemia on the territory of Crimea during 2015-2018. Material from small mammals, ticks and pellets of predatory birds by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and the reactions of indirect (passive) hemagglutination (RIHA) was investigated. Positive samples were detected in the zoological and entomological material. Synanthropic and hemisinanthropic species are found among infected small mammals, which indicates the existing risk of human diseases in human settlements. The activity of natural foci registered in 14 of the 26 municipal territories of the peninsula. To clarify the boundaries of natural foci and determine the degree of their activity, it is necessary to continue monitoring of natural ecosystems, conduct a comprehensive analysis of the populations' status of small mammals and blood-sucking ectoparasites, epizootic and epidemic manifestations in various areas of Crimea for a longer period.