Concerns Arise Over Prairie Dog Die-Off in Colorado
LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo. – Health officials in Colorado are closely monitoring a significant die-off of prairie dogs, which has sparked fears that it may be linked to the plague.
The La Plata County Public Health Department (LPCPH) revealed on Monday that they are investigating multiple prairie dog colonies that have shown little to no signs of activity recently.
When many hear the term “plague,” it probably brings to mind images from a distant past—like plague doctors or iconic scenes from films. However, the reality is that the plague, a historical scourge, still exists in modern America.
Fortunately, in today’s world, the plague is much more manageable if it’s caught early and treated properly.
The bacterium responsible for the plague — primarily in its bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic forms — is typically spread by fleas and wild rodents. Therefore, unusual die-offs, such as the one currently occurring in La Plata County, can signal the presence of the disease.
According to LPCPH, “Plague is frequently found in rock squirrels, prairie dogs, wood rats, and other ground-dwelling species like chipmunks.”
A health official explained, “Fleas are a common cause of transmission, hitching rides on animals like rodents and prairie dogs. If these animals come into contact with humans, the fleas can jump off and bite, leading to potential infection.”
The health department first noted the prairie dog die-off back in August. Although no confirmed tests have been conducted yet, the department has raised concerns based on their recent observations.
LPCPH stated, “Public health staff conducted an onsite investigation that has led to concerns about the potential presence of plague in the area. There may be other exposures in both public and private spaces we’re not aware of yet.”
Officials are urging the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands regarding prairie dog populations.
“Residents should avoid eradicating or killing prairie dogs on their property, as this could heighten the risk of exposure to fleas that may carry the plague,” the department warned.
Instead, LPCPH suggests following certain precautions:
- Wear insect repellent and appropriate clothing when spending time outdoors.
- Keep pets away from wildlife, ensuring they’re protected from fleas using vet-approved treatments.
- Avoid sleeping next to pets.
- Do not feed or handle wild animals.
- Steer clear of dead animals and their waste.
- Treat known rodent hotspots around your home with suitable insecticides.
Symptoms of the plague may include sudden fever, chills, intense headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and general malaise. While it can be effectively treated with antibiotics, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent severe complications or even death.
Since pets can also contract the plague and transmit it to humans, the health department advises that any pet displaying high fever or swollen lymph nodes should be reported to a veterinarian without delay.
Most human cases of the plague within the U.S. tend to be concentrated in the western states such as California, New Mexico, and Colorado itself. As of this year, no human cases have been reported in Colorado; however, there was a confirmed case in Pueblo County last year. Tragically, a 10-year-old girl from La Plata County passed away from the plague in 2021, marking one of the rare modern fatalities attributed to the disease.
