Rain brings respite from drought, but also disease risk
The summer rain may seem like a welcome respite to gardeners, but for humans and their pets, deadly diseases like plague are becoming more common as rodent populations soar.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that officials say a dog in Santa Fe has tested positive for the plague. It is being treated with antibiotics.
The dog’s owner is being monitored for fever.
Plague is endemic in the area and is contracted through flea bites or rodent droppings. So far this year, three cats and five dogs have tested positive for plague.
Last month, a Santa Fe County woman died of the disease.
Diseases like hantavirus and tularemia are also worrying public health officials in Santa Fe.
