Plague, Fleas and Pets Around Albuquerque
Plague is rare in people but still present in New Mexico's wild rodents and their fleas. Since 2000 the state has averaged two human cases a year, and about one a year over the last five. In Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque says most cases come from the East Mountains, with some from the western foothills and North Albuquerque Acres.
A few habits lower the odds: keep rodents away from the house, keep fleas off pets, avoid sick or dead rodents and see a doctor quickly for a sudden high fever. Here's the detail behind each.
How plague spreads
The city's rodent page lists three routes: bites from infected fleas, handling or skinning an infected animal without protection, and breathing droplets from an infected person's or animal's cough. Plague and tularemia can infect rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs, and both occur naturally in New Mexico.
The state rodent guide adds a detail that surprises people. Commensal rodents in New Mexico, meaning house mice, Norway rats and roof rats, have never been found infected with plague. Plague lives in wild rodents, ground squirrels above all, and in the fleas that ride on them. That's why the risk sits on the edges of town and in the mountains.
Where it shows up locally
The city collects rodents and rabbits that died with no visible injury for testing in North Albuquerque Acres, neighborhoods east of Tramway Boulevard, the foothills and East Mountain communities up to the Bernalillo County line. Call 311 and don't touch the animal. Mice aren't collected.
In September 2025 the New Mexico Department of Health reported a plague case in a 77-year-old Bernalillo County man, the state's second that year. He was hospitalized and released. If you live in the foothills, Sandia Heights or Cedar Crest, these steps matter most.
Pets
Cats and dogs can get plague, and pets that hunt can bring infected fleas home. The state health department's advice:
- Ask your vet about flea control for dogs and cats
- Have sick pets examined promptly
- Keep pets from roaming and hunting rodents
- Keep pets away from rodent burrows and nests
Around the house
The department recommends clearing brush, woodpiles, junk piles and abandoned vehicles where rodents may live, and keeping hay, wood and compost piles far from your home. Then make the house hard to get into. A provider can seal it and trap anything inside: see rodent exclusion and pack rat control.
If you're trapping, the state rodent guide suggests treating for fleas before setting traps in areas where plague is present, so fleas don't leave a dead rodent looking for a new host. Ask the provider how they handle that.
For people
Use insect repellent outdoors. The department says DEET can go on skin and clothing and permethrin on clothing. Avoid sick or dead rodents and rabbits and their nests and burrows. And see a doctor about any unexplained illness with a sudden, severe fever. The city lists plague symptoms as feeling sick all over, chills, headache, high fever and painful, swollen lymph nodes.
Fleas and trapping
When a rodent dies, its fleas leave to find a new host. That host can be a pet or a person. The state rodent guide recommends flea control before trapping in places where plague is active. Ask the provider whether they treat for fleas before setting traps near the house, especially in the East Mountains and foothills.
For your own yard work, wear gloves and long sleeves around nests and burrows, and don't handle dead rodents or rabbits bare-handed.
Hikers and outdoor time
Trails in the foothills and East Mountains pass through rodent country. Use insect repellent, keep dogs on a leash so they don't dig at burrows and don't touch dead animals on the trail. Check pets for fleas after a hike. If you or a pet gets sick with a sudden fever after time outdoors, tell the doctor or vet where you've been.
Livestock and outdoor animals
Barn cats, outdoor dogs and other animals that spend time around feed and hay have more contact with rodents. The state health department recommends keeping hay, wood and compost piles away from the house. Store feed in metal containers, keep barns and coops as clean as you can and talk to your vet about flea control for animals that live outside. See rodents in chicken coops.
Also asked
Can house mice give me plague?
The state rodent guide says commensal rodents in New Mexico have never been found infected. Plague circulates in wild rodents and their fleas.
How common is plague in New Mexico?
The state has averaged about two human cases a year since 2000 and about one a year over the past five years.
What should I do with a dead rabbit in the yard?
If it died without visible injury and you're in a testing area, call 311 and leave it alone.
Does tularemia spread the same way?
The city lists tick and deer fly bites, handling infected animals and inhaling the bacteria. Symptoms include sudden fever, chills and weakness.
Should I keep my cat indoors?
In plague areas, keeping cats from roaming and hunting lowers their exposure. Talk to your vet about flea control either way.