Not just in history books: Plague found in prairie dogs near Denver
"Bubonic plague might seem like a disease that's been relegated to the history books, but that's not the case. The disease that struck terror in people in the Middle Ages is alive and well in the modern world. Most recently it has appeared in prairie dog towns in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service shut down the 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge north of the city in late July, according to the Washington Post. That's when fleas infected with the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis were found in the refuge's black-tailed prairie dog colonies. In mid-August, parts of the refuge reopened, but certain areas will remain closed through Labor Day. According to Colorado's Tri-County Health Department, the Prairie Gateway Open Space in Commerce City is also closed to the public. The nature preserve First Creek at DEN Open Space is closed as well. So far, there are no reports of any humans contracting plague in the area."
Please note: the above information comes directly from their website. Click here to read more.
"Bubonic plague might seem like a disease that's been relegated to the history books, but that's not the case. The disease that struck terror in people in the Middle Ages is alive and well in the modern world. Most recently it has appeared in prairie dog towns in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service shut down the 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge north of the city in late July, according to the Washington Post. That's when fleas infected with the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis were found in the refuge's black-tailed prairie dog colonies. In mid-August, parts of the refuge reopened, but certain areas will remain closed through Labor Day. According to Colorado's Tri-County Health Department, the Prairie Gateway Open Space in Commerce City is also closed to the public. The nature preserve First Creek at DEN Open Space is closed as well. So far, there are no reports of any humans contracting plague in the area."
Please note: the above information comes directly from their website. Click here to read more.
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