Community Alert:
Cat Tests Positive for Plague in Conifer Community of Jefferson County, Colorado
Background: On September 7, 2017, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) received results that an outdoor cat in the surrounding area became sick and died due to bubonic plague. Plague is an infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium. A second cat that became ill is being treated at a veterinarian clinic in Evergreen.
Pets and Plague: Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Cats can contract plague from flea bites, a rodent scratch/bite or ingestion of a rodent. This was an outdoor cat and appears to have contracted the disease from hunting rodents. Dogs are not as susceptible to plague; however, they may pick up and carry plague-infected rodent fleas. Pet owners who suspect their pets are ill should consult a veterinarian. All pet owners who live close to wild animal populations should consult their veterinarian about flea control for their pets to help prevent the transfer of fleas to humans.
People and Plague: Humans may be infected with plague through bites from infected fleas, by the cough from an infected animal or by direct contact (i.e., through a bite) with blood or tissues of infected animals. Symptoms may include sudden onset of high fever, chills, headache, nausea and extreme pain and swelling of lymph nodes, occurring within two to seven days after exposure. Plague can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed early. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a physician.
Recommendations and Precautions: JCPH recommends that the following precautions be taken to protect yourself and your pets from 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 habitat.
• People and pets should avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals and rodents.
• Use precaution when handling sick cats. Have 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.
Risks: By following these reasonable precautions, the probability of contracting plague is extremely low.
Contact:
David Volkel
Jefferson County Public Health
303-271-5730
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More about plague:
www.bouldercounty.org/families/disease/plague/
