The Texas Department of Health says the bacterium that causes Plague has been detected in some wood rats, right here in West Texas.
The dead rats were found in a rural area, near the Midland - Glasscock Counties border. The bacterium also turned up in fleas from wild prairie dogs in Dallam County. Experts say it is not unusual for rodents to carry the plague. Still an advisory has been issued for all of West Texas. If you notice large die-offs of rodents, please contact public health officials.
Humans can be treated with antibiotics if detected early. The last human case was recorded in Kent County, back in 1993.
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