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Officials at a Colorado Wildlife Refuge are cautiously advancing in planning a project to reopen part of their facilities this week as a result of a plague outbreak in dogs from grassland of the region. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Area was closed following the discovery of plague-infected prairie dogs a few weeks ago. Some parts of the shelter will remain closed to the public even when the site reopens to the public.
The shelter, which extends over nearly 16,000 acres, is generally open to tourists to enjoy the natural splendor, but it changed in late July when park officials decided to lock the doors to protect the devastated animals by the plague.
The spread of the plague-causing bacteria is linked to fleas, and as fleas spread from one animal to another, the plague spreads. It is even possible, warn health officials, that fleas can pass to pets and even humans, which poses a significant health problem for visitors.
The shelter accepts visitors again, but some areas are still prohibited. In a newsletter posted on its website, the shelter explains that closed areas will be clearly identified and that they should be cleared again for visitors in early September, although no firm date will be forthcoming. has been proposed.
Although the shelter states that "the conditions in the refuge encourage the reopening of the public", the authorities still recommend avoiding all areas inhabited by prairie dogs. It is also recommended that all visitors avoid physical contact with prairie dogs or rodents in the refuge and formally prohibit feeding or playing with potentially infected animals.
In its newsletter, the shelter also recommends using a repellent if you plan to visit the area, such as those containing DEET, which tends to prevent insects such as fleas from hanging on.
Image Source: Frank Sommariva / imageBROKER / Shutterstock
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