Fall time creates an opportunity to remind pet owners about the importance of yearly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Having good parasite coverage should be part of every pet owner's monthly heath routine year round. We can prevent diseases that in some cases lead to death. Let's chat about one such disease: the Bubonic Plague. I'm sure you have heard of the epidemic that swept across Europe a long time ago. It was caused by a bacterial infection, Yersinia pestis. This infection can be treated with modern medicine and antibiotics if caught early enough. If left untreated it is fatal.
Why are we talking about plagues and parasites? Well, this bacteria which resides in small wild mammal species including rabbits and rodents (woodrats, ground/tree squirrels, mice, voles, and chipmunks) is spread by flea bites. According to the AVMA, the plague is present world wide and is mainly a flea-borne disease. Fleas contract Y. pestis when taking a blood meal from an infected individual and then can pass it on to humans and animals. Regarding our domesticated pets, dogs are not as susceptible to the plague compared to cats being vet susceptible. Most dogs are able to clear the infection as compared to cats that have a 50% mortality rate without treatment. Pretty scary right?
Prevention of the plague is easy! Using FDA approved flea and tick prevention for both your dog and cat is the top priority. Even our indoor only cats can be exposed to fleas. Fleas on dogs or fleas on cats can be prevented. Just like the other insects looking for a warm winter home, fleas will happily join you and your pets in your cozy house. If you pets are not protected, fleas quickly reproduce in your home. Once an infestation sets in, it can take months to be red of all the eggs in the environment.
Considering all the parasites and emerging diseases in the world today, you can do your part to keep your family members safe. Don't you want to have peace of mind when the next emerging disease is revealed? Remember: the plague was not spread by the rats but the fleas ON the rats!
