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RandySF

(57,592 posts)
Tue Jul 14, 2020, 10:27 AM Jul 2020

Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in Colorado

A squirrel found in a Colorado town tested positive for bubonic plague, county health officials said.

Jefferson County health officials said in a statement Sunday that a squirrel found in the town of Morrison, which is just west of Denver, tested positive for the bubonic plague on Saturday.

Health officials warned that the bubonic plague can be contracted by humans and household animals if “proper precautions” are not taken.

The county is recommending the public eliminate all sources of food, shelter and access for wild animals around their homes. The public is also urged not feed wild animals, maintain litter- and trash-free yards to reduce wild animal habitats and avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals and rodents.

Humans may be infected with the plague through bites from infected fleas or by direct contact with blood or tissue of infected animals. Cats are highly susceptible to plague and may die if not promptly treated with antibiotics. While dogs are not as susceptible, they can pick up and carry plague-infected rodent fleas, according to health officials.




https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/507200-colorado-officials-announce-squirrel-tested-positive-for-bubonic-plague

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Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague in Colorado (Original Post) RandySF Jul 2020 OP
Doesn't this happen all the time in CO greenjar_01 Jul 2020 #1
Yes. Usually prairie dogs though, which BusyBeingBest Jul 2020 #7
I don't think bubonic plague showing up from time leftyladyfrommo Jul 2020 #2
It's not. 2naSalit Jul 2020 #3
Sure why not it's 2020 everything old is new again Fullduplexxx Jul 2020 #4
not a big deal essme Jul 2020 #5
Was the rodent named Jared? milestogo Jul 2020 #6
Great first we have Murder Hornets, now we have Plague Squirrels? Initech Jul 2020 #8
I don't think this deserves a national headline... Wounded Bear Jul 2020 #9
Looky over there a squirrel! Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Jul 2020 #10

Wounded Bear

(58,436 posts)
9. I don't think this deserves a national headline...
Tue Jul 14, 2020, 11:09 AM
Jul 2020

plague infested rodents show up all the time in numerous areas around the country.

Bubonic Plague is fairly treatable if caught early.

Certainly not hair on fire news.

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