The Plague was Discovered Just 450 Miles From Idaho. Should We be Worried?

Yes, that plague. This isn't good.

Technically called the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the plague was recent discovered in Arizona. In rodents. Not humans. That's the good news. The bad news is the plague is easily passed on from animal to animal, especially if a dog or cat were to try to eat a live or dead rodent infected with the plague. Your pet could then technically pass on the bacterium to you by coughing or sneezing.

Before we all start freaking out, know that it's relatively easy to prevent spreading of the plague. Keep pets indoors, and when you take them for a walk, be sure to keep them away from any rodents. Including mice, rats, and prairie dogs, all of which are known to be plague hosts.

If you're worried that you or a pet may have contracted a rodent infected with the plague, seek medical attention immediately.