What is ‘BUBONIC PLAGUE’ found in squirrels?

BUBONIC PLAGUE: A squirrel tested positive for bubonic plague in the town of Morrison in Colorado, among animals cats are suspected to be highly susceptible, humans can get infected if in contact with infected animals. Precautions are required to be followed.

BUBONIC PLAGUE in Squirrels can affect humans

BUBONIC PLAGUE: A squirrel has tested positive for the bubonic plague in the town of Morrison in Colorado, Jefferson County Public Health officials announced in a statement over the weekend. The squirrel, discovered on Saturday, is the first case of plague in Jefferson County, the statement said.

According to public health officials, cats are highly susceptible to this plague, whereas dogs aren’t as much. However, they can be the carriers of the disease. Cats can catch it from fleabites or a rodent scratch or bite, or by ingesting a rodent. Cats may also die if not properly treated with antibiotics, officials said.

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WHAT IS THE BUBONIC PLAGUE?

Bubonic plague is one of three types of plague caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis[. Officials confirmed that humans and household animals can contract this animal-borne disease.

The report from Colorado, came about one week after officials in china announced a suspected bubonic plague case in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Associated Press reported that authorities in the Bayannur district raised the plague warning earlier this month, ordering residents not to hunt wild animals such as marmots. It also ordered residents to send anyone with fever or other possible signs of infection for treatment.

Currently, the risk of getting infected is very low if proper precautions are followed. The public health department has advised pet owners to consult their veterinarians if they suspect their pet is ill. Also, pet owners living near wildlife habitats, such as prairie dog colonies, should ask their veterinarian about flea control.

HOW CAN HUMANS BE AFFECTED BY THE PLAGUE?

Being in contact with any animal who is affected can transfer the plague easily to humans. Symptoms of the plague can include, high fever, chills, headache and nausea, among other signs, occurring within a week of exposure. Although there is no vaccination for the plague, it can still be treated with the help of antibiotics upon early diagnosis.

Anyone who is suffering from these symptoms is advised to consult a physician.

The Jefferson County Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect against the plague:

• Eliminate all sources of food, shelter and access for wild animals around the home.
  Do not feed wild animals.
• Maintain a litter- and trash-free yard to reduce wild animal habitats.
• People and pets should avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals and rodents.
• Use caution when handling sick pets. Get sick pets examined by a veterinarian.
• Consult with your veterinarian about flea and tick control for your pets.
• Keep pets from roaming freely outside the home where they may prey on wild animals and bring the disease home with them.