Vet Safety 2025: Plague in Pets and People—How to Spot It and Stay Safe 🐾🦠

When most people hear the word plague, they think of medieval Europe and the Black Death. But as Dr Duncan Houston, I can assure you that plague is still with us today—especially in certain parts of the southwestern United States, including New Mexico and Texas 😷🧬.

In 2025, it’s more important than ever to stay aware of this ancient but persistent disease. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your pets—and yourself—safe from plague 🐾💉.

🔬 What Is Plague?

Plague is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It typically spreads through flea bites or contact with infected animals (especially rodents) 🐀🦟.

🧫 The Three Forms of Plague:

• Bubonic Plague – The most common type, causes swollen lymph nodes ("buboes")
• Septicemic Plague – A bloodstream infection, often fatal without prompt treatment
• Pneumonic Plague – A rare, airborne form that can spread between people or animals via cough droplets

Plague is rare—but potentially deadly. It’s also classified as a potential bioterrorism agent, due to how fast it can spread if airborne 🛑.

📍 Where Is Plague Still Found?

Most modern U.S. cases are concentrated in the Southwest, including:

• New Mexico
• Texas
• Arizona
• Colorado

These regions have high populations of prairie dogs, squirrels, and other rodents that can carry infected fleas 🐿️.

🐶 How Pets Get Plague

Your pet can be infected through:

• 🦟 Bites from infected fleas
• 🐾 Contact with dead or sick rodents or rabbits
• 🩸 Exposure to contaminated wounds or secretions
• 💨 Rarely, by breathing in respiratory droplets from infected animals

If your dog or cat roams outdoors, especially in rural or brushy areas, they’re at greater risk. Cats are particularly susceptible to plague and can transmit it to humans 🐱⚠️.

🩺 Symptoms of Plague in Pets

Signs to watch for include:

• 🥵 Fever
• 🥣 Poor appetite or lethargy
• 🦠 Swollen lymph nodes (under jaw or front legs)
• 🩹 Abscesses that rupture and ooze fluid

These signs look similar to other infections—so don’t assume it’s just an abscess. If you live in a plague-prone area, ask your vet to culture the wound and rule out plague 🧪.

👨‍⚕️ Can Pets Give Plague to People?

Yes. The risk is small—but real. Pets with plague can transmit it through:

• 💉 Direct contact with infected wounds or secretions
• 🤧 Inhalation of respiratory droplets (especially from cats)

That’s why it’s essential to wear gloves when treating pet wounds, avoid contact with discharge, and seek veterinary help immediately 📞🧤.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets

1. 🦟 Practice Flea Control

• Use vet-recommended flea preventives year-round
• Treat both pets and your environment (house and yard)
• Don’t rely on old or expired flea collars

2. 🐀 Avoid Contact With Rodents

• Don’t let pets roam near rodent nests or burrows
• Clean up dead animals with gloves and disinfectants
• Seal off crawl spaces, attics, or sheds that attract wildlife

3. 🧤 Use PPE When Handling Sick Animals

• Wear gloves when cleaning wounds
• Wash hands thoroughly afterward
• Disinfect any area that may have been exposed to fluids

4. 🚫 Don’t Touch Dead Wildlife

• Report dead or sick rodents or rabbits to your local health department
• Don’t allow pets to investigate or bring them home as "presents"

📲 Ask A Vet: Your Partner in Plague Prevention

If you live in or travel to areas with known plague activity, talk to your vet about prevention. You can also reach out to us at AskAVet.com or the Ask A Vet app for real-time guidance, wound care tips, and public health alerts 📱🐾.

✅ Final Thoughts: Plague Is Rare, But Not Gone

In 2025, plague is still a risk in certain regions. But with flea control, wildlife precautions, and awareness of symptoms, you can protect your pets and your family 🛡️🐕.

Let your vet know if you suspect an abscess could be more than it appears. Early diagnosis and care can save lives—and stop plague in its tracks 💡❤️.