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Plague Information
What It Is

Plague is caused by a bacterium (Yersinia pestis) transferred by flea bites or through direct contact with an infected animal (including transmission to humans). Plague is now commonly found in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats, and other species of ground squirrels and chipmunks. Other animals in the plague cycle include mice, fox squirrels, tree squirrels, swift fox, wild rabbits, and domestic pets. 

In humans, symptoms may include sudden fever and chills, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. If detected early, antibiotics can be effective; otherwise, life-threatening complications may follow.

View the New Mexico Department of Health's Plague Brochure.


What You Can Do
There are simple ways you can help prevent the spread of plague:
    • Avoid contact with wild rodents and their fleas, nests and burrows.
    • Prevent pets from hunting.
    • Treat outdoor pets with flea control products regularly.
    • Wear rubber gloves when handling game.
    • Eliminate rodent shelter around the home:
    • Stack woodpiles at least 12" above the ground and 100' from the house.
    • Keep animal feed in rodent-proof containers. 
    • Removejunk piles and abandoned vehicles around the home. 
    • Report sick or dead rodents and rabbits to 911 Dispatch at the non-emergency line 428-3700.


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