July 25, 2005
A Center for Disease Control and Prevention spokesperson has said that four cases of feline plague is a cause for some alarm in Wyoming because of the long lapse in reported cases. Because of the new outbreaks, health officials advise keeping pets and people away from contact with rodents and any sick or dead animals.
In many parts of the West, plague is endemic in fleas that infest rodents. Increased rodent populations in Wyoming and parts of the West this year are due to above average rain and snow accumulations during winter and spring. The increase of rodents escalates the likelihood of other animals contracting the disease. Researchers speculate that the four cats probably caught or ate infected rodents.