Prairie Dog Plague Causes Closure Of First Creek In Denver

DENVER, CO — The City and County of Denver has closed First Creek at DEN open space after a plague hit prairie dog colonies at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, officials said. Testing has confirmed that prairie dogs in the region have the sylvatic plague, which is known as the bubonic, pneumonic or septicemic plague when the disease infects people.

Plague, a non-native disease in North America, has been found in Colorado for many years, and is present in many parts of the western United States. The infectious disease is caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis, that can be transmitted to humans by rodents and their fleas.

Denver Parks and Recreation staff will continue monitoring prairie dog colonies for signs of plague, and ensure conditions are protective of human and wildlife health, officials said.

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Denver officials are offering the following tips for preventing the spread of the disease:

• Stay out of areas that prairie dogs inhabit
• Avoid all contact with prairie dogs and other wild rodents
• Do not feed or play with prairie dogs
• Do not touch sick or dead animals
• Avoid fleas: Protect pets with flea powder, and keep pets on a leash
• Do not allow pets to be free roaming in areas with wildlife confirmed with plague. Animals that roam freely are more likely to come in contact with plague infected animals or fleas and could bring them into homes. If your pet becomes sick, seek care from a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not allow dogs or cats that roam free in endemic areas to sleep on your bed.
• Use repellent if you think you could be exposed to rodent fleas during activities such as walking, camping, hiking, or working outdoors. Products containing DEET can be applied to the skin as well as clothing and products containing permethrin can be applied to clothing (always follow instructions on the label).
• See a physician if you become ill within one week of your visit to the area. Plague is a treatable illness.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/plague or call the Department of Public Health & Environment at (720) 865-5484.

Owned by the city through Denver International Airport, Denver Parks and Recreation manages and maintains the First Creek at DEN property, which is the city's largest open space.