Colorado - Plague suspected in Broomfield prairie dog die-off

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Plague suspected in Broomfield prairie dog die-off

Enterprise staff
<!--date-->Posted: 10/08/2010 12:39:07 PM MDT
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Broomfield residents are being warned to avoid open fields near the 1stBank Center after a prairie dog die-off, which officials suspect was caused by plague.

The Broomfield Public Health and Environment and Open Space and Trails departments on Tuesday began investigating the die-off south and west of Uptown Avenue in the Arista development. The affected area is south of the 1stBank Center.

A sample of fleas sent to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment tested negative for plague, but officials are still taking a cautionary approach.

?We're moving along with the assumption and suspicion that (the prairie dogs) died from plague,? said public health officer Jeff Stoll.

Because prairie dogs crawl into their burrows to die, it is unknown how many have died. Rather, officials suspect a die-off because of the lack of prairie dogs seen at the site, Stoll said.

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http://www.broomfieldenterprise.com/broomfield-news/ci_16288479

 

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Re: Colorado - Plague suspected in Broomfield prairie dog die-off

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD>Take precautions after prairie dog die-off</TD></TR><TR><TD>

On October 5th, the Public Health and Environment and Open Space and Trails Divisions of the City and County of Broomfield began investigating a private land and public open space prairie dog die off south and west of Uptown Avenue in Broomfield (please see map below). Based on observations made at the site, Public Health officials suspect plague infection as the cause of the die off and are proceeding with protective measures including informing the public, dusting rodent holes and blocking access to the area. A sample of fleas has been collected at this site and sent to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory for further testing to confirm if plague is present. The Public Health and Environment Division strongly advises residents, pet owners, area workers and visitors to avoid entering these vacant lands in the vicinity.

Taking precautions

Suspect Plague infection south and west of Uptown Avenue
- STAY OUT of open fields south and west of Uptown Avenue.
- PROTECT your pets. Keep on a leash, use flea control products if needed, and avoid open fields until further notice.
- AVOID contact with sick or dead rodents and/or animals.
- PREVENT rodent infestations around your home: clear plants and materials away from outside walls, reduce access to food items and set traps.
- TREAT known rodent sites around your home or business with flea powder or a suitable insecticide.
- SEE A PHYSICIAN if you become ill with a high fever and/or swollen lymph nodes. Plague is a treatable illness.
- SEE A VETERINARIAN if your pet becomes ill with a high fever and/or an abscess (open sore). Pets with plague can transmit the illness to humans.

See a full fact sheet and map

Health and Human Services home page
Open Space and Trails home page
http://www.ci.broomfield.co.us/news/newsdetail.asp?ArticleID=895

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