Fleas: Plague

Question 1

What is the plague?

Answer 1

one of the oldest diseases affecting man

Question 2

What causes the plague?

Answer 2

Caused by a bacteria maintained in rodent populations

Question 3

What are the symptoms/syndrome of the plague in animals?

3

Answer 3

1. Rodents become ill and die
2. Cats may develop fever, dyspnea, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes
3. Septicemia

Question 4

How is the plague transmitted?

3

Answer 4

1. Bite of an infected rodent flea
2. Handling tissues or fluids of infected animals
3. Inhalation of airborne bacteria from cats or humans with pulmonary disease

Question 5

How is the plague diagnosed?

4

Answer 5

1. Culture of lymph node aspirate
2. Blood test
3. Sputum test
4. Cerebrospinal fluid aspirate

Question 6

How is the plague treated?

Answer 6

Antibiotics (penicillin)

Question 7

How is the plague controlled and prevented?

5

Answer 7

1. Prevent human contact with wild rodents
2. Use insecticides/repellents when entering wildlife habitats
3. Wear gloves when hunting or handling wildlife
4. Keep dogs and cats from hunting wild rodents
5. Vaccinate individuals at risk