Boise Squirrel Tests Positive for Plague

Idaho Public Health officials say a ground squirrel found in Southeast Boise has tested positive for plague.

This plague is a bacterial disease found mostly in rodents, but can be transmitted to humans and pets and cause serious illnesses if not treated.

It can be transmitted by infected fleas, but also through contact with infected animals like ground squirrels, rats, and mice. They do mention that tree squirrels in Idaho are not known to carry the plague.

The Idaho Press Tribune recommends the following tips to keep your family and pets safe.

• Keep your pets from roaming and hunting ground squirrels or other rodents in the desert south of Boise.
• Talk to a veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on pets as not all products are safe for cats, dogs or children.
• Clean up areas near your home where rodents can live, such as woodpiles.
• Sick pets should be examined promptly by a veterinarian, especially if they may have had contact with sick or dead rodents in the desert south of Boise
• See your doctor about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever.
• Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home.
• Don’t leave pet food and water where rodents or other wild animals can access them.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Credit: ThinkStock / Richard Heathcote