New Mexico health officials have confirmed the state's first plague detection in a wild animal this year after a wild rat in Santa Fe County tested positive for the bacteria.
The discovery follows four confirmed plague cases in dogs earlier in 2026, with three cases in Santa Fe County and one in Bernalillo County.
A homeowner found the infected rodent deceased on private property and submitted it for testing, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). The bacteria responsible for the plague is known as Yersinia pestis.
"While this is an animal case of plague, it’s important to remember humans can get plague from flea bites or direct contact with infected animals, including rodents, wildlife and even pets," Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for NMDOH, said in a statement.
Pets can contract the plague by consuming an infected animal or through bites from infected fleas. Symptoms in animals can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.
Human plague cases are rare, but New Mexico accounts for approximately half of all cases in the U.S. each year, according to the NMDOH. The illness can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics, though early detection allows for effective treatment. Symptoms in humans may include sudden high fever, chills, headaches, nausea, and swollen lymph nodes.
To mitigate risks, the NMDOH advises residents to remove potential rodent habitats near homes, such as brush piles and abandoned vehicles. Pet food and water should be stored to prevent access by wildlife, and individuals are cautioned to avoid contact with sick or deceased rodents and rabbits.
Veterinarians recommend using flea control products on pets and seeking immediate veterinary care if a pet exhibits signs of illness. Previous plague cases include a domestic cat in Colorado and a man in Arizona who died from the disease last year. In 2025, a 43-year-old man from Valencia County, New Mexico, was hospitalized with the plague.