In a concerning development, health authorities in New Mexico have confirmed that a wild rat found dead in Santa Fe County has tested positive for the plague, heightening awareness of the disease that can affect both humans and pets. This discovery marks the first confirmed case of plague among wild rodents in the county in 2026, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
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The deceased rodent was brought in for testing after it was found on private property, serving as a stark reminder to residents about the potential dangers posed by the disease. This incident follows the earlier reports this year of four additional animal infections, which includethree canines in Santa Fe County and one in Bernalillo County. In total, the state has documented five confirmed cases of animal plague in 2026.
Dr. Chad Smelser, the deputy state epidemiologist at the NMDOH, stressed the importance of taking precautions, stating, “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.” He elaborated that pets could become infected if they either consume an infected animal or are bitten by fleas carrying the bacteria.
Plague is caused by the bacterium *Yersinia pestis*, which remains prevalent in wild rodent populations and their fleas across parts of the western United States. Typically, the disease spreads primarily through flea bites, although humans can also contract it through handling infected animals or, in rare instances, by inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected animal or person with pneumonic plague.
Cats are particularly at risk, as they often hunt and consume rodents, which could lead to the transmission of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that since 1924, no documented person-to-person transmission of the plague has occurred within the United States. However, safety measures remain imperative.
Symptoms of plague can manifest differently in pets and humans. In infected animals, signs may include fever, lethargy, a loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes, especially located beneath the jaw. For humans, symptoms typically arise suddenly and can include fever, chills, headaches, tiredness, and painfully swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the groin, neck, or armpits.
Health officials emphasise that, while the plague can be serious, it is usually treatable with antibiotics if caught early. To mitigate the risk of infection, the NMDOH recommends taking several precautions. These include utilising flea prevention products approved by veterinarians for pets, clearing away brush and woodpiles that may serve as rodent habitats, storing pet food indoors, and avoiding contact with any deceased or sick rodents and their nests.
In the event that pets exhibit any signs of illness, the NMDOH urges pet owners to seek prompt veterinary assistance. Furthermore, individuals experiencing unexplained illnesses, particularly those accompanied by a sudden high fever, should consult their healthcare provider without delay.
While plague is relatively uncommon in the United States, it is still present, primarily in rural and semi-rural areas of the West. The CDC reports that the bacteria can persist naturally within these rodent populations. The greatest risk to humans generally occurs during or shortly after wildlife outbreaks, when fleas infected with the plague seek out new hosts.
Health officials in New Mexico are closely monitoring the situation and continue to remind the public of the need for vigilance when it comes to animal interactions, especially in areas where the disease has been detected. Awareness and education about the plague can help mitigate risks and ensure that both human and pet populations remain safe.