Warnings issued after first deer is infected with plague

getting a knock on your door from a health official who’s there to warn you about the plague. that’s exactly what’s happening in colorado springs, as we speak…. after a deer was infected with the disease. krdo newschannel 13’s bonnie silkman takes a look at the warning signs of the rare disease. this…is just one reason why people love living here in pleasant valley. deer sightings are common- in fact, we saw some there, just this morning… “i enjoy the d “i enjoy the deer. i glad they come in the yard.. yard.. .. i hate to see something happen to them. it would be nice to know what can be done to protect the deer.” it’s extremely rare for a deer to get the plague. but…for the first time in el paso county, a deer has tested positive for the disease. the deer was euthanized last week. “this deer was walkin around the area sick. and what happens is the plague hits the eyes of the deer. the deer was blind so it was running into things, stumbling around so people got concerned and called the division.” “i’m really concerned and when i hear that the teenager in fort collins died of the plague, that’s an even bigger concern.” just weeks ago, taylor gaes of fort collins died from the plague, the day after his 16th birthday. “the symptoms are very high fever, flu like, lethargic, so folks might think they have the flu or the common cold.” “it could sprea quickly. i think we need to be educated as to what we need to do to prevent it.” that’s exactly why health officals are going door to door passing out these flyers.. explaining that the plague is a bacterial disease – spread through infected fleas… or by handling an infected animal. that’s why so many are worried about their pets… “they’re going to lethargic, they’re going to act different and have a fever- and that’s when you want to seek guidance from your veterinarian.” and, look for warning signs. if you see a sudden “die off of squirrels, rabbits or other wild animals – contact the health department. in colorado springs, bonnie silkman krdo n.c.13” here’s a quick recap on how you can keep your family safe … protect pets with flea powder, avoid all contact with wild animals.. prevent rodent infestations… and be sure to treat rodent sites with rat poison and flea powder. the health department can be reached at 578-3199. a colorado