Plague confirmed in Colorado Springs domestic pet Plague confirmed in Colorado Springs domestic pet
In a
follow-up on the plague bacteria being confirmed in multiple squirrels in the Patty Jewett and Divine Redeemer neighborhoods in the Colorado Springs recently, the El Paso County Public Health has reported that plague has been identified in a domestic pet in the North Downtown area. No other details are available at this time.
The health department wants to remind the public to protect themselves from the plague by following these precautions::
Do not feed or touch wild animals, such as prairie dogs, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and other rodents. Do not touch sick or dead animals.
M
ore than 100 neighbors gathered May 6 in an attempt to âSave the Westside Community Center,â according to a flyer circulated prior to the event. On Aug. 3, 2020, the city of Colorado Springs announced that the current operator, Woodmen Valley Chapelâs Center for Strategic Ministry, would not be renewing its contract past 2021.
Community members at the center listened to a presentation from Richard Mee, who is concerned that a new operator might not maintain the buildings as a community center, or that the existing buildings could be demolished and a new development put in their place. He also claims the process to select a new operator lacks transparency.
Plague suspected in the death of squirrels in the Colorado Springs area Plague suspected in the death of squirrels in the Colorado Springs area
Image/tpa via pixabay
Test results for the squirrels are currently pending confirmation at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory, with results anticipated in the coming days.
“We want to alert people to the fact that wild rodents and other small mammals in this area may be infected with plague, which is more common during cooler summers after wet winters,” said Haley Zachary, communicable disease program manager for El Paso County Public Health. “By taking simple preventive measures, residents can help protect themselves and their pets.”
Several squirrels have died near downtown Colorado Springs and public health officials suspect plague to be the cause.
The squirrels, found in Patty Jewett and Divine Redeemer neighborhoods, were tested for the disease and results are expected in coming days, a news release from El Paso County Public Health said.
The news comes two days after the health department discovered a squirrel on Colorado College s campus that likely had the disease.
El Paso County Public said the disease is not uncommon among rodents and small mammals during cooler summer months after wet winters.
Colorado surpassed average levels of precipitation by an inch during the past six months, a recent Gazette article reported.
Plague suspected in squirrels found dead in two Colorado Springs neighborhoods
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and last updated 2021-05-14 17:35:49-04
COLORADO SPRINGS â El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) announced Friday that plague is suspected in squirrels in two Colorado Springs neighborhoods.
This announcement comes after multiple squirrels were found dead in the Patty Jewett and Divine Redeemer neighborhoods in central Colorado Springs.
The health department said it s not uncommon for plague to be present this time of year and taking simple precautions can lower the risk of transmission to humans.
âWe want to alert people to the fact that wild rodents and other small mammals in this area may be infected with plague, which is more common during cooler summers after wet winters,â said Haley Zachary, communicable disease program manager for El Paso County Public Health. âBy taking simple preventive measures, residents can help protect themselves and their pets