A rodent in Santa Fe County has tested positive for the plague, making it the first confirmed wild animal case in the county in 2026. According to health officials from the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the rodent was turned in by someone who found it on their property.
Earlier this year, three Santa Fe County dogs and one Bernalillo County dog were diagnosed, making a total of five animal plague cases in the state this year. Plague symptoms in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. There may be swelling in the lymph node under the jaw.
Humans can also get plague from flea bites or direct contact with infected areas. Plague symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and weakness. In most cases, there is a swollen, painful lymph node in the groin, armpit, or neck area.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
