2024-01-28 22:35:00
The site Outbreak News Today reports that the authorities of Sierra Countyin Californiareport that a domestic cat in eastern Sierra County tested positive for over (Yersinia pestis). This is the first documented positive case of plague in a domestic cat in California since 2011.
The main wild rodents carrying plague in the Sierra Nevada region are ground squirrels and chipmunks, although other rodents such as wood rats, mice and voles can be infected. The plague is fatal for many rodents. Therefore, an increase in the number of sick or dead rodents is a possible warning of the presence of plague in the area.
Pets, such as dogs and especially cats, can either contract the plague or bring infected fleas to their owners. In rare cases, plague can be transmitted to humans from sick cats.
Plague has been rarely identified in humans and domestic cats in this region in recent decades, with the most recent human cases in Sierra County being in 1977 and 1980.
Sierra County residents and their guests are urged to take the following general precautions to avoid exposure to plague:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.
- Keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Pet cats are very susceptible to plague and infected cats can transmit the bacteria to humans. Keep cats indoors and discourage them from chasing rodents. See a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes ill following contact with rodents.
- Residents in areas where plague is known should prevent rodents from entering homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other items that may attract rodents from around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents have been observed.
- Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and waste in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants tucked into boots to reduce your exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas.
Source : Ourtbreak News Today
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