Dog diagnosed with plague in Santa Fe County

SANTA FE- A Santa Fe County dog has been diagnosed with plague – the first animal plague case in the state in 2025. 

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the dog received veterinary care and has recovered.  

“Plague is a bacterial disease in wildlife that pets can be exposed to by eating an infected animal or through bites of infected fleas,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian. “Humans can also contract it through flea bites but also risk getting plague through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and pets.” 

With prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, chances of death in people and pets are greatly reduced. Physicians or veterinarians who suspect plague should promptly report to the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).  

Plague symptoms in cats and dogs are fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.  

Symptoms of plague 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.   

 

Prevent plague by: 

• Not leaving pet food and water where rodents and wildlife can get to it. 
• Putting hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home. 
• Getting any sick pets examined promptly by a veterinarian. 
• Contacting your medical provider about any unexplained illness involving a sudden and severe fever. 
• Talking to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on your pets. 
• Preventing pets from roaming and hunting. 
• Cleaning up areas near the home where rodents could live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles. 
• Avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits, and their nests and burrows. 

  

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