The same plague virus that wiped out sixty percent of the European population during the black death is now sweeping through West Texas prairie dogs.
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Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge released a statement confirming the plague outbreak.
Confirmed case of plague in prairie dogs at Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. https://t.co/bdNaFMCyn6 pic.twitter.com/CoiPOgUGwq
— ABC 7 Amarillo (@ABC7Amarillo) July 7, 2017
As a safety measure, the refuge has closed down two areas in the park, including Paul’s Lake.
“To protect our visitors, we have voluntarily closed the area where plague has been found. It is well marked and we are asking the public to respect all signs and closures for their own safety,” the park’s manager Jude Smith explained in the statement.
The outbreak is currently limited to two prairie dog populations.
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While the plague can be transferred from the infected animals to humans or other animals through infected flea bites, park officials ensure the public that it is still safe to visit the open areas. If they bring pets with them to the park, they should take measures to protect their pets from fleas.