The widespread impact of the “black death” is not likely to be repeated in our time. However, plague still poses substantial risk to exposed humans, including pet owners and veterinarians. Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, is maintained in various wildlife populations, particularly wild rodents, and is spread through close contact and fleas. Spillover infections of domestic animals can occur, particularly in cats through their high susceptibility to infection and exposure to small rodents and infected fleas during hunting.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, April 2017.
Key pearls to put into practice:
- There is continued need for plague awareness among clinicians and pet owners in areas where plague is active.
- Decreasing risk for plague includes using flea control (especially in cats), reducing contact between cats and wildlife, and being aware of the potential for plague in cats with outdoor access and vague clinical signs.
- Use the CDC’s plague resources for both clinicians and pet owners.