Apache County health officials are advising area residents that fleas from prairie dog burrows in Old Concho, south of US 61, have tested positive for your Yersnia Pestis; the bacteria which causes plague.
According to officials, the die off occurred earlier this month. The Apache County Health Department has not received any reports of people or animals being infected with plague.
According to the CDC, there are only, on average 7 cases of plague in humans in the U.S. each year.
Officials report that plague is a “common reoccurrence in the southwest since its introduction in the 1900s.”
According to the CDC, “even though the risk of contracting plague is low it is a good idea to take preventative measures to keep yourself and your pets safe. People and pets should avoid prairie dog burrows and the area of recent die off. Use insect repellent if you think you could be exposed to rodents and fleas. During activities such as camping hiking, or working outdoors keep fleas off your pets by applying flea control products. Do not allow dogs or cats to roam free in endemic areas or sleep on your bed. Reducing rodent presence in around your home is a good precaution as well.”