Reported plague in a ranch dog in Quay County, New Mexico

A health official reports that a Quay County ranch dog is the first plague case of 2019 in New Mexico.

The dog has recovered from his illness thanks to his veterinarian's treatments.

Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. These bacteria are usually transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. Personal pets may also be exposed after eating an infected animal after having hunted or recovered.

Humans can contract the plague by direct contact with the tissues of infected animals, including rodents, wild animals and domestic animals, and rarely by inhalation of coughed droplets from a sick animal.

"The plague can be deadly for pets and humans if it is not treated quickly with antibiotics", m said NMDOH Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kathy Kunkel. "We encourage pet owners to discuss with their vets the best way to protect their pets from fleas."

In addition, the Ministry of Health recommends the following measures to prevent plague:

• Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits, as well as their nests and burrows.
• Clean areas near the house where rodents may live, such as stacks of wood, brush or garbage piles, outbuildings, sheds and abandoned vehicles.
• Since pets who like to enjoy nature can inadvertently take infected fleas home, it is recommended that they be used throughout the year with a flea control product.
• Prevent pets from wandering and hunting.
• Sick animals must be examined quickly by a veterinarian.
• Consult your doctor for any unexplained illnesses involving sudden high fever and be sure to tell your doctor if you have had contact with fleas, sick animals or rodents.
• Place the piles of hay, wood and compost as far as possible from your home.
• Do not let your pet's food and water be safe from rodents and wildlife.

Fever, lethargy and loss of appetite are the symptoms of plague in dogs and cats. There may be swelling in the lymphatic ganglion under the jaw or on other parts of the body. Symptoms of plague in humans include the sudden onset of fever, chills, headaches and weakness. In most cases, there is painful swelling of the lymph node in the groin, armpits or neck.