Outbreak News Today reports that authorities in Sierra County, California report that a domestic cat in eastern Sierra County has tested positive for the plague (Yersinia pestis). This is the first documented positive case of plague in a domestic cat in California since 2011.
The main wild rodents that transmit plague in the Sierra Nevada region are ground squirrels and chipmunks, although other rodents such as woodrats, mice and voles may also be infected. The plague is fatal for many rodents. Therefore, an increase in the number of diseased or dead rodents is a possible warning sign 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, the plague can be transmitted to humans from sick cats.
In recent decades, plague has been rarely detected in humans and domestic cats in this region, with the most recent cases in humans occurring in Sierra County in 1977 and 1980.
Sierra County residents and their guests are urged to take the following general precautions to prevent 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.
- Domestic cats are highly susceptible to the plague and infected cats can transmit the bacteria to humans. Keep cats indoors and discourage them from hunting rodents. See a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes ill after coming into contact with rodents.
- Residents of plague areas should prevent rodents from entering their homes and remove food, wood piles and other items that could attract rodents from around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal dens or areas where dead rodents have been observed.
- Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents at campsites and picnic areas. Store food and waste in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants inside boots to reduce the risk of fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and pant cuffs to reduce the risk of fleas.
Source: Ourtbreak News Today