Plague may be more than you think it is—for you and your pets

Plague may be more than you think it is—for you and your pets


Plague isn’t just a vague term used for any widespread scourge. It also has a specific meaning — one that’s important for your pet’s health and yours too.

Plague is an infection caused by bacteria carried by fleas on small wild mammals, like rodents and rabbits. Transmission to humans is pretty rare, but the disease can be serious.

Cats are very susceptible to plague and can be a source of spread to humans. Infected cats often develop swollen lymph nodes in their neck, which should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away.

You can help prevent the spread of plague by using flea control on your pets and clearing away potential rodent nesting sites. It’s also important not to let your pets roam free.

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