Zoonotic diseases in squirrels

[Diggie's Friend]

Bubonic Plague in squirrels: A wildlife disease found in the Western States


What is the disease known as Bubonic Plague?


"Bubonic" Plague is a disease caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis, that can be transmitted to humans via rodents and their fleas.”

This virus came originally from Asia, having spread to Europe, and then to the Americas via the rat. This is the same disease that was responsible for “Black Death” in Europe in Medieval times. Now days the incidence of humans contracting this disease is low; not since the 20’s has there been a major outbreak in California.

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/faq/index.html

Where have the outbreaks of this disease taken place in recent history?

Assumed to be eradicated from the Eastern US.with no reported outbreaks of the disease in animals or humans in recent history, Bubonic Plague is presently limited to the Western US, primarily found in the Rocky mountain region to the Pacific coast.

(see map for full range of this disease)

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/maps/index.html


“Plague is widespread in much of California, including in the Sierra Nevada mountains and foothills.”

“In 2014, evidence of plague was detected in animals in El Dorado, Mariposa, Modoc, Plumas, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Sierra counties. Animal infected with the disease usually are found in the foothills, mountains and sometimes along the coast of California.”

“The squirrels (ground squirrels) were found at Cedar Grove Campground and Doane Valley Campground.”

What animals have been affected by this disease?

In NM, AZ, CO: rock squirrels, voles, rabbits, coyotes, are among the animals found to be infected with this disease. Interestingly, it is noted that birds were found to be the chief vector species of the region. Not all mammals that carry this disease die from contracting it. Squirrels imparticular are among the amimals for which this disease save it is treated is lethal.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2200890/Sierra-Jane-Downing-Girl-7-caught-bubonic-plague-dead-squirrel-camping-trip-leave-hospital.html

In California:

The California Ground squirrel, aka:(Spermophilus beechyi), is the key vector species for Bubonic Plague in the mountain and foothill regions of the Pacific coastal States. Western Gray squirrels and Eastern Fox squirrels have also been found to be casualties of this disease, just not in the numbers that the vector ground squirels have been.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-23460709
http://www.friendsofpalomarsp.org/camping.html
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-plague-infected-squirrels-20150814-story.html
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/plague.htm

The disease combated in California by means of spraying the openings of the burrows of the ground squirrels to beat back the spread of this Endoparasitic disease.

How is this disease tranmitted?

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/Specialized/Vector_Management/plague.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/transmission/index.html


1. Bites of fleas from infected rodents

1. Hungry fleas will leave a sick or dead rodent to find another host and can bite people.

2. Direct contact with sick animals

The bacteria in the blood or other body fluids of an infected animal can enter through cuts and abrasions on the hands, or through the mucous membranes.

3. Pet involvement

•Infected rodent fleas can be brought into the home or campsite by a dog or cat.

•Plague pneumonia can be caught from a sick cat that is coughing or sneezing.

(In other words a bite from the infected animal can transmit this virus to other animals and in humans.)

"Plague in humans is very rare, with only about ten cases per year in the United States."

“In California, there have been 42 human cases of plague since 1970. Nine were fatal.”

“In a typical year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about ten cases of plague in humans per year in the western

United States. However, during 2015, 16 human plague cases were reported.”

What are the symptoms of this disease?


“Symptoms of the plague include high fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. “


There are three forms of plague:

•Bubonic plague:

Patients develop sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, and weakness and one or more swollen, tender and painful lymph nodes (called buboes). This form is usually the result of an infected flea bite. The bacteria multiply in the lymph node closest to where the bacteria entered the human body. If the patient is not treated with appropriate antibiotics, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body. (see Black Plague)

•Septicemic plague:

Patients develop fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possibly bleeding into the skin and other organs. Skin and other tissues may turn black and die, especially on fingers, toes, and the nose. Septicemic plague can occur as the first symptoms of plague, or may develop from untreated bubonic plague. This form results from bites of infected fleas or from handling an infected animal.

•Pneumonic plague:

Patients develop fever, headache, weakness, and a rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous. Pneumonic plague may develop from inhaling infectious droplets or from untreated bubonic or septicemic plague that spreads to the lungs. The pneumonia may cause respiratory failure and shock. Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the disease and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person (by infectious droplets).

B]What should I do if you experience these symptoms?[/B]


If you live or have recently traveled to the western U.S. or any other plague endemic area and have symptoms suggestive of plague, seek health care immediately.

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/transmission/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/diagnosis/index.html

AVMA website: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Plague-FAQs.aspx



Q: How is plague treated?

A: Plague can be treated with specific antibiotics from the aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone and tetracycline families. If plague is suspected, appropriate treatment should be initiated immediately. Recommended dosage regimens are available that take into account the species affected, dosage can be adjusted based on age, medical history and underlying health conditions.

What precautions can I take to avoid contracting this infectious disease?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/plague-found-in-squirrel-prompts-closures-at-angeles-national-forest/

(The photo of the squirrel under the title page of this article is not that of the vector species, the California Ground Squirrel.)

Other References:

https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-health-hub/health-hazards-posed-by-rodents/
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/plague.htm
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/23/local/la-me-ln-chipmunks-squirrels-plague-20130523

[Diggie's Friend]

Just to assure readers, the Eastern Gray squirrel, which is indigenous to the Eastern US is not the vector species or this disease. The article showing the picture was in error from not bothering to check if they got the right photo. The article otherwise appears to be a very good source of information on this disease. Be forewarned that the link included on this page is to an article on a survivor of this disease, that include graphic photos of the disease's affects.

There are a number of mammals that are known to carry Bubonic Plague. Along the Pacific Coastal States Spermophilus Beechyi is the vector species for this disease. In battling the disease in the wild, it is the fleas that transmit this disease that are the target of elimination, not the ground squirrels. Spraying Malathion around the den openings to kill the fleas is the strategy used to knock down the prevalance of this disease that is most common in this species populations, but also found in other ground mammals, with tree squirrels as the less common victims of the disease, as they do not live in ground burrows where fleas breed and feeding on the blood of their ground mammal hosts.

https://naturalhistory.si.edu/mna/image_info.cfm?species_id=355

[SophieSquirrel]

One of the most affected of the squirrel family is the Black Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys Ludovicianus).

A good friend of mine Lynda Watson rescues them from development and re-locates them to areas where they are wanted. Luckily the plague is limited to certain areas for now and not where she is working.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcTjGcm7-7A

My Patchi was originally removed from a colony as a baby and sold in the pet trade. A nice woman who could not keep him any longer surrendered him to me and he is now the most beloved member of the family.

PATCHI

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[Diggie's Friend]

BRAVO, BRAVO!!

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

[Diggie's Friend]

http://prairiedogpals.org/tag/plague/ Vaccine, Good News!

[Diggie's Friend]

Here is a research study file on (Yersinia pestis) infectations in Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies.

[Diggie's Friend]

Here is a case where a man was infected by his cat in Oregon with Bubonic plague, a disease spread by fleas that is limited now to the western US. The next day after the cat that had bitten the man and fled it returned, it was clearly suffering, and put down. The very next day, just two days after being bitten, the man began to experience the symptoms of this disease; here is his story.

(WARNING!! Graphic photos of this disease are included with this article.)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550896/Man-contracted-BUBONIC-PLAGUE-cat-speaks-ordeal-left-deaths-door.html

This disease can be acquired through the bite of an infected animal, be that a wild or domestic dog or cat. If the pnemonia form develops as it did in this man's case, it can be spread by a cough to other humans.

Should you be bitten by a sick cat or dog that has access to the wild, seek immediate medical advise. If you are bitten by a wild animal, especially a California ground squirrel, or been or live near or in foothills and mountainous regions of the west, get to your doctor quick so that they can get you meds to stop a possible bacterial infection of this disease. For the onset of this disease is usualyl just a few days, after which symptoms develop very quickly! In doingg so you may be able to avoid disfigurment, and death. And though some people have been found to survive this disease without medication, not necessarily avoid disfigurement, that is not reason to delay seeking prompt medical care!


If you live or have recently traveled to the western U.S. or any other plague endemic area and have symptoms suggestive of plague, seek health care immediately.

[Diggie's Friend]

https://www.thesleuthjournal.com/the-bubonic-plague-is-popping-up-in-wild-animals-and-pets-in-the-western-united-states-2/

This disease is in the soil; fleas carry it from host to host by biting them passing it into their blood.

On this page is a photo of the rash on belly of deceased California Ground Squirrel.

Ground squirrel is a key vector species for this disease, as it lives in colonies in burrows in the ground.

There are no present reports of an outbreak in Calif. that have been found in the past in mountainous regions.

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/transmission/index.html

[Diggie's Friend]

Just in case you missed this graphic tutorial from the CDC on the previous page, it is worth reviewing,

as further explains and illustrates how this virus has commonly been found to be contracted by humans and their pets.

This is important,f or if you presntly aren't aware of the ways this virus can be contracted under these conditions and specific circumstances,

you may mistakenly assume you have the flu instead of having contracted this virus that requires immediate treatment upon the onset of

symptoms in support of a more favorable outcome.

https://www.cdc.gov/plague/resources/PlagueEcologyUS.pdf

[cava]

That hand! Thanks for the info DF. I understand it can be transmitted via flea bite but as far as touching infected animals, how does it enter our bodies, via microcuts in our skin? Thanks.

[Diggie's Friend]

The fleas siphon the blood of their hosts through their (proboscis) mouth part; that's when it exchanges body fluids with its host.

Yet being bitten by a flea doesn't mean you have been infected by this virus, as the flea has to be carrying the virus for that to
happen,

and not all do by far. Typically this has been found in or near wild areas where there are ground squirrels.

The CDC describes the symptoms as flu like, typified by a high fever;

and states that medical intervention should be sought immediately upon their onset.

The disease actually comes from the soil, the squirrels are just victims, and the fleas the delivery avenue.

Squirrels are not targeted, only the fleas when breakouts occur. The entrance to their burrows are sprayed to knock down the breakout.

Early Summer after the winter rains is when this disease tends to crop up.

It notably has been occuring more frequently during this decade.

Read more:

http://www.newsweek.com/bubonic-plague-arizona-fleas-650642

[Diggie's Friend]

This is why this disease was was called the "Black Death" back in the Medievil times. Now with prompt treatment with specific anti-biotics many survive, just not all their fingers etc., as was the case of this poor man who lost his fingers on both hands. This is the reason why those at risk of infection from having handled one of the ground squirrels in mountain areas here in California where this disease has had outbreaks in the past, needs to immediately seek medical attention upon the onset of the flu like symptoms (CDC protocol), to ensure that is isn't from this disease.

http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/Specialized/Vector_Management/plague.pdf

[Diggie's Friend]

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-plague-yosemite-20150819-story.html

As this article relates, this disease is ever present in the soil in wild areas in the Mid-west, and Western States, and Alaska; please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the chain of infection of this disease, as this info could help save your life.

When it comes to being infected with this virus, the key is proximity to both the location of an outbreak, and to the animals that most commonly have been found to be carriers of the infected fleas; for when an infected animal succumbs to the disease the fleas will jump onto the next warm blooded host that comes close enough to them.

Be aware that possible infected animals don't just include wildlife, as dogs and cats can become infected and in turn infect humans. Cats, that commonly develop pneumonia form of the disease, can pass it in aerosol droplets from their cough, or by direct contact with their saliva to humans and other animals. A man in Oregon contracted this disease when he was removing a mouse from his cat's mouth, which resulted in his cat biting him. When the cat rat off he didn't think much of it, yet when it returned the next day it was clear it was very ill. The following day the man presented with a high fever, and then developed the characteristic blackening of his fingers and toes; though he survived he lost his hands, and some toes also.

When visiting wild areas in the West it is best to wear DEET or other insect repellant in the West. Check out whether there is a breakout of this disease in the area you are planning on visiting. If you find a wild animal that is ill, or has expired do not approach or handle the animal; instead inform the Park service, or local wildlife warden as to your finding. Networking can help save the lives of both people and other animals in the area. if you have rescued a ground squirrel in a wild area there is a risk that you could be exposed to this disease from infected fleas. Have a veterinarian, that is familiar with exotics (domestic wildlife), test for this disease, and any other zoonotic diseases these animals may carry. If you are bitten by a flea(s) during handling, it would be advisable to take a round of the appropriate antibiotics to knock out a possible infection of this bacterial disease. If you incur flea bites in the rescue and handling of a ground squirrel or Prairie dog, a round of the appropriate antibiotics that counter this infection is advisable. See previous post with links to the CDC page on this disease as to the symptoms of the disease that present generally from 48 hours to 6 days after being infected by an infected flea, also for signs of illness in the animal.

As for rehabbers in the Eastern US States, though this disease was eliminated in the Eastern US where the common rat was the main carrier, when it comes to pet Prairie dog rescue/rehoming, be aware that these animals have come from the Western US, and may carry the disease.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?59602-Zoonotic-diseases-in-squirrels&p=1251886#post1251886

[SophieSquirrel]

when it comes to pet Prairie dog rescue/rehoming, be aware that these animals have come from the Western US, and may carry the disease

That's utter nonsense!

We went through this when the Monkeypox scare was in full throttle. I know, I was rescuing and transporting innocent Prairie Dogs from shelters to zoo's and vets who were not afraid to take them. That's one reason I have so many zoo and vet contacts. Paranoid owners (who should not own even Sea Monkeys) were dumping poor confused Prairie Dogs into shelters and even into the woods due to irrational fears.

Due to state wildlife laws captive prairie dogs (at present) only come from Texas and there is ZERO risk from the Plague in any current captive "pets", and little risk from wild stock in areas in TX where captured.

In 2003 (the year of the Monkeypox scare) there were 37 cases in the USA.

To put that in perspective by the 3rd week in 2018 there were 40,414 influenza deaths.

There were no deaths from the Monkey Pox Scare.

If you are an EXPERIENCED Squirrel handler and come across a PET Prairie Dog in need of rescue feel free to take him in with complete confidence.

Keep in mind I am not advocating wallowing around in the dirt near Prairie Dog burrows in states where Plague has been reported or snuggling wild PD's in Montana.

Meanwhile I am going to pick up Patches my Prairie Dog and snuggle him against my face without fear.

Patches

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To put all the Plague fears in perspective here are the actual number of cases and deaths in the USA by year. The worst year was 2016 with 4 deaths and 16 cases. (Source CDC).

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[Diggie's Friend]

When it comes to pet P dogs that have been treated for fleas, and vetted with a blood test confirming they don't carry the virus, I stand corrected.

[SophieSquirrel]

In an ideal world PD's would not be sucked out of their burrows so rich people from NY, NJ, MA & CA moving into rural areas can have more malls making removal / re-homing necessary. I am normally against the pet trade but that is the only option for some removals for various reasons - mainly lack of welcoming landowners for relocation reception. Also in an ideal world blood tests would be indicated before re-homing with people. So would everyone wearing a cheap disposable mask during deadly flu season. There is no ideal world and I am not worried about hand selected PD's coming to competent human homes. Personally I have no fear of the Bubonic Plague from Texas caught individuals.

We need to take caution with wilds but we can't let fear, paranoia and media fear-mongering prevent us from helping squirrels of all types in a safe manner.

Here is a typical "warning" sign from the P.R. of California. Notice number 4: "the disease is curable when diagnosed early"

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[Diggie's Friend]

That's the thing, people need to be given the information from the CDC as to how it is acquired; for if you get a high fever and haven't been in contact with a wild, only your cat, as was the case of the man in Oregon, and you don't know about this disease being in the soil in specific regions in the west, you might assume it is from another cause. By the time it becomes apparent this isn't your typical fever from the flu you may lose some digits. this is why I shared the tutorial, not to far monger, but to inform which is the best way to address this issue, with knowledge, as the CDC does showing that this infection can be obtained other than from the fleas of a wild animal. Information isn't about fear mongering it is about being well informed as to not all fevers are from the flu. In this I hold to education, not making a matter more of less than it is. If you do one or the other you do no one any favors, not humans, or squirrels either.

[Diggie's Friend]

It's ignorance that breeds fear, not education. On this board very often what may be not what always is the problem is shared in case it is the cause. People come here in fear, but then they learn how to they can address a problem their fear is replaced with confidence and hope. . Though it doesn't always work as we hope, not being able to do anything is far worse to bear. . It is knowledge that sheds light on what is otherwise dark path in a time of fear of the unknown. Sharing is caring, which is a blessing to all, as once we learn we can pass on what we learn to others.. Becoming equipped by learning how to address issues brings confidence, and hopeful outcomes. Fear is fostered in ignorance, yet knowledge brings hope.

[SophieSquirrel]

It's ignorance that breeds fear, not education.

People come here in fear, but then they learn how to they can address a problem their fear is replaced with confidence and hope.

Yes, therefore we need to educate people that likelihood of contracting the Bubonic Plague, Hantavirus etc is extremely low (CDC info bears that out), and just use precaution is areas where these diseases are active.

Most people come to TSB for help savinf squirrels with an occasional person popping up asking if a bite from a park squirrel can cause Rabies. The answer is sure but the SOP from hospitals themselves states it's not likely.

If you show up at the hospital in So Cal after camping in Angeles Forest with a fever it's way more likely to be the life threatening Flu than Bubonic Plague.



[edit added by admin] -while the chances of contacting any disease after handling wildlife is generally not high, you should ALWAYS take proper precautions. This means using the proper protective gear, educating yourself about the possible risks and means of transmission, practicing all safety procedures and taking universal precautions which means operating under the assumption that diseases are present.

[Diggie's Friend]

I thought to update this thread.

In the Southwestern and Pacific coastal regions of the US there have been modest outbreaks of bubonic disease annually, often under 20 cases a year. In the eastern US this disease was eradicated decades ago, when it was chiefly carried by rats. The risk of infection is rare for most of the US population; for even where this bacteria is found in the soil, be it in the mountainous areas of the Pacific coastal region, the deserts of the Southwest, or the prairie lands of the Midwest, the chances of becoming infected are very rare, even so they potentially still exist.

Presently, there are three basic means of becoming infected with (Yersinia Pestis). One, having come in contact with infected fleas on living or dead animals, or fleas near the entrance to animal burrows of infected animals, that transfer the disease by biting. Two, by coming into physical contact with the body fluids of an infected animal, or person through cuts and abrasions, or in the case of the pneumonia form, by breathing in the droplets from coughing infected humans or pets. And three, from the bite of an infected animal, be it wild or domestic.

The important take away with this, is that knowledge can protect you, your family, and your pets from becoming infected in nearly all instances, through avoidance of contact with the sources of this often deadly bacteria.

Presently in some areas of LA County rats that are feeding off garbage and human waste isn't being disposed of which is being left by the homeless in some areas that are living on the streets and in parks. Already typhus has been found. Some experts are now saying that Bubonic Plague is likely already in LA in these areas, and residents in these areas are now at risk. So far I have not read of cases being confirmed. Will update if things change.

Please read through this information from the Center of Disease Control on Bubonic Plague as to the regions htat this disease is presently found in, and the paths that this disease can take that could result in this bacterial infection.

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/Specialized/Vector_Management/plague.pdf

[Snicker Bar]

This is a great article DF, and a very good topic! In fact, I’ve been nightmaring about these vermin and the potential threats they are bringing me here in MS. My husband and I are literally at wits end about the mice and rats. I guess technically, WE are the invaders; since our house and barn are way out in the middle of a pasture, next to the woods. But still, I have to wonder how others control the vermin without killing their pets?!? It’s no joke how serious it’s becoming!! I’m embarrassed to even post the the number of creatures I see running in the barn when I turn on the light (and yes! I have THREE barn cats!) The cats helped at first, but the sheer volume of rodents is way too many!! And since the house is just a stone throw away, they’ve discovered the porch. I’ve sealed the squirrel room up as best I know how, but they still come and try and chew their way in. I see them hanging on the wire, running around, just looking for a way to come in and steal a booball. Just thee days ago, I found a brand new fan for their room (placed on outside) with the cord chewed in two. I could bring everyone that lives outside in at night I suppose, but they just love this room. Teenie and Leah (the two Flyers) haven’t lived in a cage since they were babies. It would be cruel to lock them up now. Flying in our house sadly isn’t an option .
Every night we have to pick up the (outdoor) dog food bowls ; saw them grabbing a bite of food right under their noses!! And then, guess where they store and eat the food?? Under the hood of our trucks... And for dessert, they eat the wires to the tune of many hundreds of dollars!!

Its crazy!! Sorry DF; didn’t mean to hijack and get on a rat rant lol!! But seriously, I need to post a new thread when I have more time and ask , what can we do?? If we put out poison, I’ll kill my pets and other wildlife. And, personally, as gross as they are, the thought of the way that stuff slowly does it’s work.... Not and option. Traps?? I could set a hundred; and in a week a hundred more would come. Remove the food? We are doing that ... Feed is in cans with lids. The cats have a feeder , but they don’t dare venture into their little feed room (apparently they are also intelligent). The outdoor squirrel room gets daily debri from Dandies, Doodles, Miracle, and the Flyers.. But seriously; I keep that habitat wayyy cleaner than some in my human family keep their own bedrooms!!!

So back to the original topic: The Plague...
I hope it doesn’t come here !!!!

[Diggie's Friend]

No need all the questions you have can be answered on this thread, just start with post #1 .

Your region isn't one that has any incidence of this bacterial infection.

Location, being within the range of where this bacteria is known to exist, and most importantly, proximity and near to actual physical contact Even then it doesn't mean you will be infected, for it the fleas that carry the virus that are the issue. It is moreover a matter of engaging in risky activity of near to actual physical contact in areas where prior breakouts have occurred, that is risky. '

In our area there are more than a few. The closest Santa Monica Mtn. where there are hiking trails. and the other LA Crest. Both areas at different times have had breakouts. The break outs are handled by authorities spraying the entrance of the burrows of Calif. ground squirrels, not harming the squirrels.

For this disease, being where you are this isn't a concern.

That said we all know rats carry disease, hanta for one. Being exposed to inhaling dried powdered feces is the is an issue there.

[Diggie's Friend]

I was down in Torrance with my hubby while trying to rescue the squirrel at the park; in this part of LA County we saw no encampments on the streets, yet as my hubby has related other areas in LA there are encampments and where sanitation is lacking there is a serious problem with flea borne disease from rats, specifically Typhus, another flea borne bacteria. This article explains that so far no human to human contact has been observed. A It is in dense populated areas of people and specifically rats increase significantly in numbers from feeding on garbage that has not been removed. This is not the countryside where populations are much lower.

https://www.outbreakobservatory.org/outbreakthursday-1/10/18/2018/typhus-bites-back-in-los-angeles

[Diggie's Friend]

In rural areas the problem of keeping rat and mice populations down without harming wildlife is not easy to do. One means of doing so is to entirely deprive them of food sources, which save for secured food bins, and relying your farm cats to dispatch them, helps, but isn't 100 %. Bates of course aren't the answer, for even one newer source that is toxic to cats and dogs, is lethal to rodents.

In years where wild foods for the rats results in a high increase in their numbers, save for trapping them to humanely euthanize them, there isn't much more than one could do to reduce their numbers. Growing up on his family's farm, where the grain storage was outdated, my hubby told me of one year rats got into the granary and their numbers skyrocketed; the battle that ensued was like unto a one sided version of the wild, wild west. Today with much modernized farming practices, when care is taken to secure storage units, they don't get in.

Plugging all the cracks from the outside of your home to the inside can help keep your squirrels safe. Once we had a rat get into our home, via a tiny opening between the wall and the fireplace when we removed the trim to remodel. Finally I put some masonry caulk and the rat was shut out of our home.

To keep rats and mice out of outside pet cages, an outer cage surround that you can enter, that houses an inner cage, using the smallest rodent wire fabric for both, is all I know of that won't result in bites happening to pets.

[Chirps]

Have you guys ever hard of Joseph Carter the Mink Man? He raises and trains mink to hunt rats, similar to ferreting in the UK. The beauty of the mink is they can go where the rats hide. Not sure where he lives (I think Utah) or what he charges, but if the rat problem is getting that bad I suspect he and anyone else who is learning "minkenry" from his Youtube videos will be in great demand.

[Diggie's Friend]

CDC update and current information on prevention of what is a rare occuring but potentially deadly disease. Though known as, "the plague", since the development antibiotics, this disease has not posed a plague level threat in humans, in which presently infections are very rare and damage and death prevented when antibiotics are given early.

In the west where this bacteria is found in the soil, it continues to decimate wild rodent populations in the Western US. It also has impacted the wild populations of black footed ferrets which are now endanged.

When visiting the State and National Parks of the West this season, take care to follow the guidelines of the CDC for the safety of both your human and pet family members.

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1103/upload/Plague-PublicInfoDoc-2.pdf

[Diggie's Friend]

CDC Links with additional information on Zoonotic Diseases:

https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html

https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/indirect.html

[Diggie's Friend]

A lesser know zoonotic disease found in rats, farm animals, and wild species of mammals.

Merck Manual quote:


Leptospirosis, a zoonosis occurring in many domestic and wild animals, may cause inapparent illness or serious, even fatal disease in humans. Human infections are rare in the US.

Leptospira are maintained in nature through chronic renal infection of carrier animals—commonly rats, dogs, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and pigs. These animals can shed leptospires in their urine for years. Dogs, cattle, pigs, mice, and rats are probably common sources of human infection.

An article on Leptospirosis notes that it was found in a group of breeder raised Southern Flying Squirrels imported to Japan. Although factual, this doesn't imply that all Southern Flying squirrels have this disease, as that just isn't the case. And though rare to humans in the US.; it is wise to review what the symptoms of this disease are in humans, pets, and wild mammals.

https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/media/pdfs/protect-yourself-leptospirosis-P.pdf

An infection of this disease can be treated with AB in both animals and humans.


How it's transmitted

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, such as squirrels, and can be found in puddles or wet areas where they urinate.

This disease is commonly found in flood waters.

https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html