[Natural foci of tularemia on the Wrangel island].

The subjects of the study were snowy owl castings (611 samples), polar fox litters (148 samples), and water samples of outdoor tundra water reservoirs. Tularemia antigen was sought in the castings and litters by the antibody neutralization test. The water was examined by bioassays. Tularemia antigen was annually detected in the study samples. Epizootically active autonomous natural foci of tundra-type tularemia were ascertained to continue to exist on the Wrangel island. The major vectors of the causative agent of tularemia were two types of lemmings (Siberian lemming and Vinogradov's one). The availability of epizootically active natural foci determines the need for vaccination against tularemia of persons who are long engaged in researches who are epidemiologically a risk group.