Plague

 
What is plague?
Plague is a disease, found in rodents, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.  Plague can be present in wild animals and passed to pets (typically cats) and/or humans.
 
What are the signs of infection?
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of plague. Common symptoms include fever, inflammation, dehydration, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, blood infection and/or lung infection.
 
How is plague transmitted?
Wild rodents carry the disease and can transmit plague through biting or being bitten by your pet.  It can also be transmitted through fleas and body fluids.  Humans can get plague from their pet or wild animals.
 
What can I do to prevent plague in my animals?
Since one method of transmission is through fleas, regular flea control for animals in areas where plague is known to infect wildlife is essential.  Keeping your animals nearby – not allowing them to roam freely – and eliminating wild rodents in their living area will reduce their chance of exposure as well.
 
Are there testing requirements for plague?
If you are concerned that your pet has been exposed to plague, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination and possible testing.
 
Who do I contact if I am concerned about my pet being exposed to plague?
Report possible exposure to pets or humans to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.  If you find dead rodents, you can report them to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
 
Plague is a reportable disease in Idaho.
 
If you have a question that is not covered here, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information on Plague or contact Animal Industries by email or phone at (208) 332-8540.