LARIMER county, colorado, county health dept said: (2015)

Plague can spread through rodent populations in a localized area often resulting in mass animal "die-offs." The only animals with confirmed plague so far this year in Larimer County were in an area of Soapstone Natural area this is not open to the public, according to CBS Denver.

In recent decades, an average of seven human plague cases are reported each year nationwide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most human cases in the United States are scattered in rural areas and occur predominantly in two regions:Northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, and southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada.

The plague can be treated with antibiotics, but Phillips said that because it's so rare and early symptoms can resemble the flu, it may not be recognized in time.

The most common form of the disease, bubonic plague, accounts for about 80 percent of cases in humans. It causes painful swelling of the lymph nodes, fever and muscle aches, and as the bacteria multiply they can spread to the respiratory system and bloodstream.

TIPS TO PREVENT PLAGUE

Avoid contact with all sick and dead rodents and rabbits. Look for the presence of blow flies or dead animal smell as evidence of animal die-offs. Prairie dog colonies that suddenly are not active may also be due to plague activity in the area. Report such die-offs to Larimer County Health Department at 498-6775.
While hiking, treat pants, socks, shoe tops, arms and legs with insect repellents.

Keep your pets from roaming and hunting and talk to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product.

Sick pets should be examined promptly by a veterinarian.

If you hunt or trap rabbits or carnivorous wild animals, wear gloves and a respiratory mask while skinning or handling these animals. Fresh pelts may be treated with flea powder.

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. If you are bitten, follow-up with your health care provider.

DO NOT feed or entice any rodent or rabbit species into your yard, back porch, or patio.

Eliminate rodent habitat, such as piles of lumber, broken cement, trash and weeds around your home, outbuildings and cabins.

When outdoors, minimize exposure in rodent-infested areas. Do not catch, play with, or attempt to hand feed wild rodents.