A domestic cat in eastern Sierra County in California has tested positive for plague.
In a post to their Facebook page the Sierra County Sheriff's Office says Sierra County Health officials were notified by the California Department of Public Health about the positive finding.
Plague is present naturally in wild rodents in the Sierra according to the post, but this is the first documented positive case of plague in a domestic cat in California since 2011.
Sierra County Environmental Health is working with the California Department of Public Health to monitor the situation.
Plague is a highly infectious bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which primarily affects rodents.
Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bites of fleas that have acquired the bacteria from infected squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents.
Humans and their pets can get plague if they visit areas where wild rodents are infected. Cats are very susceptible to plague infection and frequently die without prompt veterinary care.
People can become infected when a cat with plague pneumonia coughs or sneezes.
There are no recent cases of plague in humans in Sierra County according to the post from the Sheriff's Office. The last reported human cases in the county were in 1977 and 1980.
Here are some tips shared by the Sheriff's Office to prevent plague:
- Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured, or dead rodents.
- Keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect pets with flea control products. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague, and infected cats can transmit the bacterium to humans. Keep cats indoors and discourage their hunting of rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
- Residents living in areas where plague is known to occur should keep rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other attractants for rodents around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
- Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and refuse in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce your exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and trouser cuffs to help reduce exposure to fleas.
More information about plague can be found at this link.
