Firehouse has been monitoring the outbreak of plague in squirrels in central Denver since it
was first reported in early May. We will continue to monitor this and provide updates as
things change.
A few things to keep in mind about plague:
- Plague is caused by a bacteria (Yersinia pestis) that is transmitted by fleas (not
directly from animal to animal or animal to human).
- Plague is always present in Colorado, usually in our prairie dog colonies, so it is not
new. What is different about this outbreak is that it is affecting squirrels.
- Dogs are not normally affected by plague – they are resistant to it.
- Cats can get plague from contact with affected fleas – at this point, the chances that
a cat would be exposed to plague-affected fleas from a squirrel is very low.
- Humans can get plague from contact with affected fleas – at this point, the chances
that a human would be exposed to plague-affected fleas from a squirrel are very low.
- Plague can be deadly for cats or humans if left untreated (yes, this is the same
disease as the Bubonic Plague/Black Death of 17th-century English history notoriety).
- However, with the antibiotics currently available, this is not usually a difficult disease
to treat if it is diagnosed early.
- Affected cats usually have swollen lymph nodes, high fever, draining wounds, or a
combination of the three. In some cats, the only symptoms are respiratory disease.
- Don’t panic! We do not expect any of our patients to be affected. If you think that
your cat has been exposed to potentially dangerous fleas, please call us for help. If
you think that you or your family have been exposed to potentially dangerous fleas,
please contact your physician.
A few precautions to take:
- Don’t feed squirrels, prairie dogs, or other rodents. Even though plague is not
transmitted by direct contact, the more these animals linger around humans and their
homes, the greater chance of exposure to fleas.
- If you have squirrels living in the attic, they should be removed. Keep other rodents
that like to live in houses under control as well.
- If you go on walks/hikes in areas with large rodent populations, protect your dog by
using a leash and flea medication (we can give you advice on what to use). Protect
yourself with long pants/socks and insect repellent.
- If you find a dead squirrel or other rodent, you can call the statewide InfoLine at 877-
462-2911 to report the location and to get help on whether it should be saved for
testing.
- If you have any questions or need any help, please call Firehouse!
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