The bacterial species Yersinia pestis has already caused three (3) types of plague in cats. The most recent plague reported took place in the US, in the state of Colorado back in 2017 when a cat got infected by the bacteria. Although a plague can be life-threatening, with prompt treatment, its serious complications can be averted.
Transmission of the plague often occurs through the bite of an infected flea. These infected fleas will usually feed on rodents which serve as reservoirs of the disease. Humans can acquire the bacterial species if bitten by a rodent flea carrying the plague. Another way that humans get infected by the plague bacterium is when handling tissues and body fluids of a plague-infected animal.
A cat’s predatory habits increase its chances of acquiring the disease. Hunting for its prey in the wilderness places it at risk of contracting the bacterium by feasting on plague-infected animals. Veterinarians advise cat owners to keep their cats indoors to protect them from the plague. Since fleas transmit the plague, establishing a flea preventive program can ensure protection for pet cats all year-round.
Any sign of illness should be brought to the attention of your animal hospital Portland OR.
No comments:
Post a Comment