Rodent tests positive for plague in Santa Fe County

SANTA FE – A Santa Fe County rodent has been diagnosed with plague – the first confirmed wild animal plague case in the county in 2026.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the rodent was turned in by a person who found it dead on their property.

Earlier this year three Santa Fe County dogs and one Bernalillo County dog were also diagnosed with plague, making a total of five animal plague cases in the state this year.

Plague is a bacterial disease that circulates in wildlife and is commonly transmitted through flea bites. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.

“While this is an animal case of plague, it’s important to remember humans can get plague from flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and even pets,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH. “Pets can be infected with plague if they eat an infected animal or are bitten by infected fleas.”

Plague symptoms in humans include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and weakness. In most cases, there is a swollen, painful lymph node in the groin, armpit or neck area.

Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment greatly reduce the risk of death in people and pets. Physicians or veterinarians who suspect plague should promptly report to the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).

Prevent plague by:

• Using a veterinarian-approved flea control product on your pets. 
• Cleaning up areas near the home where rodents could live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles. Put hay, wood and compost piles as far away from your home as possible. 
• Do not leave pet food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it. 
• Ensuring that sick pets are examined promptly by a veterinarian. 
• Contacting your medical provider about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever. 
• Avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows.

For more information about plague, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to NMDOH’s website at: https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/plg/.

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Un roedor da positivo a la prueba de peste en el condado de Santa Fe