You may vaguely remember “The Plague” or “The Black Death” as something you read about in High School. The plague is still around today. You may hear more about plague as a bioterrorism threat than a zoonotic infection, but a couple of thousand people worldwide each year still contract this bacterial infection from animals and other humans.

There are three types of plague infection: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. Bubonic is where the bacteria invade the lymph nodes and is fairly localized. Septicemic is where the bacteria invade other organs like the spleen, liver, and heart. Septicemic can be a first stage of infection or the progression of bubonic. Pneumonic plague infection is where the bacteria have entered the lungs. Pneumonic can be a first stage of infection or the progression of bubonic and/or septicemic infections.

Plague can be contracted through several methods: infected flea bite, contact with infected secretions, or airborne droplets. Most people tend to think of rats as the carrier, but several other animals can carry the infection: squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks, mice, wood rats. Fleas that bite these animals then bite other species of animal or humans and infect them. Other animals that can be infected are cats (all felines), dogs, rabbits, deer, antelope, primates, llamas, camel, and goats.

The incidence of plague in modern times is relatively small, but it does occur. To protect yourself and your exotic pets there are some simple steps you can take to minimize exposure. Outdoor animals should be housed in cages that do not allow wild animals entry or to deposit urine or feces within reach. Flea deterrents should be used on the animals if possible and/or around the cage. Pets should not be allowed to hunt wild animals (rabbits, rats, etc) in known infected areas or during peak season (March through October). Wash your hands after contact with your pet (including cage cleaning), avoid letting your animals “kiss” (lick, bite) you on the lips, and wear a face mask when treating any sick animal that has not yet been diagnosed with a specific illness.