Dog caused largest outbreak of pneumonic plague in the US since 1924

http://consumer.healthday.com/infectious-disease-information-21/misc-infections-news-411/colorado-dog-key-to-u-s-plague-outbreak-study-confirms-698978.html

Sounds a lot more dramatic than it really was, but still - interesting!

Scary though, isn't it. Thank heavens for penicillin

Bubonic Plague is still fairly common in some parts of the world, but I think Pneumonic is less so?

Again shows how important it is to keep your dogs flea free.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure bubonic is the most common one. It's the same bacteria, but I think it just presents itself with different symptoms, according to the method and route of transmission.

Shisa wrote:Again shows how important it is to keep your dogs flea free.

I don't think we in the UK need worry too much, though! I certainly won't start using a flea killer just to avoid the plague.

Probably not. Black rats have started to return to the UK though. Then there are birds and exotic pets which could also carry the vectors. Scaaaaaaarrrryyyyyy.

I wasn't scared of plague when my old Dobie brought one home (don't know where she hid it in her fine coat) but I was driven mental by the millions that suddenly infested every corner of my house and bit me to distraction. I owe my sanity to Frontline.

Fleas have a LOT to answer for. The only good flea is a dead flea as far as I am concerned, they are no use to man or beast.

Good on yer new collar!