The following link is to a table showing plague-positive rodents tested in conjunction with the California Department of Public Health, Vector-borne Disease Section Plague Surveillance Program.

Plague-positive rodents 2008

In 2007, 482 blood samples were collected from wild carnivores and 914 blood samples from wild rodents in connection with the statewide plague surveillance program conducted by the Vector-borne Disease Section of the California Department of Public Health. Veterinarians submitted 5 samples from domestic pets. Plague was confirmed in one domestic cat from Kern County. Plague antibodies were detected in 37 of 335 coyotes, 12 of 47 black bears, and one of 4 gray foxes. Among wild rodents, antibodies were detected in 23 of 432 California ground squirrels, and one of 237 chipmunks. Additionally, samples from 124 feral pigs were negative. All data from 2007 Annual Report, Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health.

The California Department of Public Health routinely tests various types of animals for evidence of infection by plague bacilli. The map displays data for 2004 for tests on carnivores, rodents, and pets.

Click one of the following for the Vector-borne Disease Bulletins from the Vector-borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health.

2007 May 2007: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin June 2007: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin September 2007: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin     2008   February 2008: 2007 Summary Edition of the Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin April 2008: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin August 2008: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin October 2008: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin   2009   February 2009: 2008 Summary Edition of the Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin April 2009: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin September 2009: Vector-Borne Disease Bulletin

Plague positives 2007

Plague positives 2006

Plague positives 2005

Plague positives 2004

In California, there are several fleaborne diseases associated with fleas. Probably the most important is plague. Active plague surveillance has been underway in the state for many years by the California Department of Health Services.

 

Photo credit Edman/McClelland collection

Vectorborne diseases in California having significant public health importance include infectious diseases whose pathogens are transmitted by, or in association with, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, lice, and rodents. Pediculosis is a non-infectious disease that results directly from infestations of humans by lice, usually head lice.