If you hunt or trap rabbits or carnivorous wild animals, such as coyotes and bobcats, protect your hands and face while skinning or handling these animals. Fresh pelts may be treated with flea powder. Bites from domestic cats have caused human plague. Such animals may be infected or carry the bacteria in their mouths. Dogs and cats may transport infective fleas.
Cats sometimes exhibit swellings and sores around the mouth, head and neck when infected.
Seek professional veterinary care for such animals and do not handle suspiciously sick pets without gloves and face protection. Remember the incubation period of 2-6 days and consult a physician if sudden unexplained illness occurs within that period after activities in the outdoors. Summary Factors to Remember Plague can be treated successfully and cured if it is diagnosed early in its course. History of possible exposure is very important because symptoms resemble those of many other infectious diseases. If precautions are taken, the probability of an individual contracting plague, even in active plague areas, is quite low.