Plague Outbreak in Wyoming Pets Raises Concerns for Human Health

The Wyoming Department of Health has confirmed a case of plague in a cat in Fremont County. Plague is a serious bacterial infection that can be deadly for both pets and humans if not treated promptly with antibiotics. The disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or fleas. While rare in humans, plague is naturally occurring in the western United States. Precautions such as using repellent, applying flea control products to pets, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to rodents are recommended to prevent infection. No human illnesses have been reported in relation to the current situation, but a human case of pneumonic plague was reported in September 2021.