Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2026/7/?view=2349
Rodent tests positive for plague in Santa Fe County
July 2, 2026 - Zoonotic Diseases - Awareness
SANTA FE – A Santa Fe County rodent has been diagnosed with plague – the first confirmed wild animal plague case in the county in 2026.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the rodent was turned in by a person who found it dead on their property.
Earlier this year three Santa Fe County dogs and one Bernalillo County dog were also diagnosed with plague, making a total of five animal plague cases in the state this year.
Plague is a bacterial disease that circulates in wildlife and is commonly transmitted through flea bites. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.
“While this is an animal case of plague, it’s important to remember humans can get plague from flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and even pets,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH. “Pets can be infected with plague if they eat an infected animal or are bitten by infected fleas.”..
Rodent tests positive for plague in Santa Fe County
July 2, 2026 - Zoonotic Diseases - Awareness
SANTA FE – A Santa Fe County rodent has been diagnosed with plague – the first confirmed wild animal plague case in the county in 2026.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the rodent was turned in by a person who found it dead on their property.
Earlier this year three Santa Fe County dogs and one Bernalillo County dog were also diagnosed with plague, making a total of five animal plague cases in the state this year.
Plague is a bacterial disease that circulates in wildlife and is commonly transmitted through flea bites. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.
“While this is an animal case of plague, it’s important to remember humans can get plague from flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and even pets,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH. “Pets can be infected with plague if they eat an infected animal or are bitten by infected fleas.”..