http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/13208042/detail.html

DENVER -- Plague was found in a dead tree squirrel near City Park after citizens noticed a die-off of squirrels in the neighborhood, state officials confirmed Thursday.

Denver Animal Control investigated the squirrel deaths and tested the body of a dead squirrel. Officials said the tests were positive for plague.

John Pape, an epidemiologist who specializes in animal-related diseases, said while plague is seen every year among rodent populations in rural areas of Colorado, including the Front Range, it's unusual to find plague in the center of an urban area. But, he said, it has happened before.

Pape assured that the risk of Denver residents contracting plague is extremely low. *

Several groups, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Environmental Health, are working to figure out the extent of the die-off in the area.

* This is BS. If you TOUCH something that carries the plague, you're infected; it can even spread airbone.

How did a disease eradicated hundreds of years ago in the civilized world managed to revive ?

hint hint...

Individual Precautions:

DO NOT feed or entice any rodent or rabbit species into your yard, back porch or patio
Eliminate rodent harborage such as piles of lumber, broken cement, trash and weeds around your home or recreational cabin.

Keep all dogs leashed, or better yet, leave them at home when hiking or camping. This is a good reason to restrain cats and dogs from roaming at all times.

Bites from wild carnivores and from cats and dogs have caused human plague. Such animals may be infected, carry the bacteria in their mouths or may transport infective fleas.

Cats sometimes exhibit swelling and sores around the mouth head and neck when infected.

Seek professional veterinarian care for such animals and do not handle suspiciously sick pets without gloves and face protection.

Remember the incubation period of 2-6 days and consult a physician if sudden unexplained illness occurs within that period after activities in the outdoors