Once again reports of zoonoses are in the news. While the source to this mink infection is not known, it seems likely small rodents or their fleas were involved with the plague case.
Source: Associated Press, August 17, 2020. Link. High mortality in two mink ranches prompted testing for Covid-19 virus. Five live mink tested positive. The Utah mink farms have also reported cases among workers.
Source: Los Angeles Times, August 17, 2020. Link. Health officials have confirmed a case of plague at South Lake Tahoe, the first in California in five years.
INSIGHTS: The intersection of wildlife with humans seems more evident today than ever before. Regardless of geography, zoonoses incidents underscore the need to up our game in promoting prevention efforts. “We don’t see that here,” no longer holds water.