Theriological Investigations in Plague Foci on the Territory of Russia and Neighboring Countries

Information on the contributions of theriologists to the development of the theory of natural plague foci is reviewed. Ecological and epizootological monitoring is one of the main aspects for surveying this dangerous infection. Zoologists participating in research on the infectious pathology of zoonoses have allowed for a breakthrough to be achieved in the study of enzootic factors, epizootology, focal paleogenesis, and the evolution of parasitic systems, the patterns of the functioning of natural and anthropurgic foci, their biocenotic and spatial structure, the development of methods for evaluating the state of pathogen host and vector populations, host population control, and other measures of preventing human diseases. As a result of long-term research, a new conceptual apparatus and methods of medical mammalogy have been developed, and criteria and protocols of research and prevention activities in zoonosеs foci have been defined. New digital and geoinformation technologies, as well as Earth remote sensing, are presently being implemented, all this providing epidemiological prosperity of human populations for plague and other natural focal diseases in enzootical territories.