Plague Suspected in Large Prairie Dog Die-Off La Plata Colorado

Health officials in La Plata County, Colorado, are investigating a significant die-off of prairie dogs that may be linked to plague, a bacterial disease transmitted by infected fleas or direct contact with infected animals. While no confirmed testing has yet verified the presence of plague, reduced or absent activity has been observed in several prairie dog colonies, prompting public health concerns about potential exposures in both public and private areas. Officials advise residents not to kill prairie dogs, as this can increase the risk of spreading plague-infested fleas, and recommend precautions such as wearing repellant outdoors, keeping pets protected from fleas, and avoiding contact with wild animals or their waste. Plague, which remains endemic in the region, is treatable if caught early, with symptoms including sudden fever and swollen lymph nodes in humans. Public health departments have issued warnings and are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing education and preventive measures as key tools to mitigate risk. The Centers for Disease Control notes that plague cases, though rare, occur annually in the western United States, including Colorado and neighboring states.