Talking plague and the situation in New Mexico with Dr. Paul Ettestad

Plague is alive and well in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico where the state has reported three human plague cases in 2013.

This image depicts a magnified view of an oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis. Image/CDC

On the Saturday, Oct. 26 airing of Outbreak News This Week, my special guest was State Public Health Veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health, Dr Paul Ettestad.

In the interview (listen below), Dr. Ettestad first gave the basics of plague to include what it is and the different forms of human plague, symptoms and treatment.

Ettestad then went on to give a great explanation on why New Mexico in particular, and the western US in general is more prone to the plague with a fantastic historical perspective.

Not only is plague a serious health hazard to people, but it is also for animals and pets. The Chief veterinarian detailed the risks to pets and the ultimate risk to humans.

To close out the show, Dr. Ettestad laid out his advise for the people of New Mexico, and elsewhere where plague may be present, on how to prevent this very serious bacterial disease.

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