Animal and Insect related Issues (Zoonoses)

Unfortunately, there are diseases you can catch from animals. Encephalitis, plague, hantavirus, rabies, tularemia, and other tick borne diseases continue to be public health threats in Western Colorado.

The Zoonosis Control Program provides assistance to individuals, animal control agencies, and veterinarians with regard to these diseases.

You may also be interested in learning more about these important topics:
• Roundworms and Pets (Iowa Department of Public Health)
• Common Questions about Zoonoses (Iowa Department of Public Health)
• A Guide To Healthy Animal Experiences with Young Children (Iowa Department of Public Health)
• Pests.org (a website dedicated to helping protect your family and home from pests)

West Nile Virus
Plague
Hantavirus
Rabies
Tularemia
Tick Borne Disease
Head Lice (pediculosis)
Bed Bugs


In Colorado, Western Equine Encephalitis (“Sleeping Sickness”), St. Louis Encephalitis, and West Nile Virus are all important mosquito borne diseases. They are all threats to human health. The Environmental Health Division monitors mosquito populations for the prevalence of these diseases.
What is West Nile Virus Infection? The West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can infect many animals and humans. In people, West Nile Virus usually causes a mild illness, but it can also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). This virus is named after the West Nile region of Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1937. West Nile virus first appeared in 1999 in New York City. It first appeared in Delta County in 2003 and is now widely circulating in our area. The best way to protect yourself from West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved light colored clothing, use insect repellent with DEET, avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and remove standing water from your home or yard. Vaccines are available for horses and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Links
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Arboviral Encephalitides Center for Food Security and Public Health: Equine Encephalitides Center for Food Security and Public Health: West Nile Virus Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: West Nile Virus U.S. Geological Survey Disease Maps Phone Numbers West Nile Virus Colorado Health Education Line for the Public (CO-HELP): 1-877-462-2911 Delta County Environmental Health Hot Line: 970-874-2172

Animal and Insect related Issues (Zoonoses)

News Releases and Latest Updates

Check back here often for the latest updates and news releases regarding animal related disease in Delta County!

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North Fork Annex

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Believe it or not, the infamous Bubonic Plague, or “Black Death”, of the Middle Ages is still in your back yard! Fortunately, sanitation and living conditions have improved so much that the plague is now not quite as threatening. However, there are still cases of plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, in humans and animals in Western Colorado today. People can get plague from being bitten by a rodent flea that is carrying the plague, by handling an infected animal, or even by inhaling the bacteria from infected animals. Although a very serious disease, today’s modern antibiotics are effective in treating plague. If an infected person is not treated promptly, the disease is likely to cause serious illness or death.
You should avoid contact with all wild rodents, especially sick or dead rodents. In Western Colorado, prairie dogs are notorious for carrying plague. Dogs and cats should be confined so they cannot prey on rodents and then bring the disease home with them. Flea prevention should be kept current on all pets, following the direction of your veterinarian. Controlling the fleas on pets will prevent the transfer of fleas to humans. The Health Department requests that citizens report any unusual rodent die-offs to the Environmental Health Division at 970-874-2165.
Links Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Plague Center for Food Security and Public Health: Plague Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Plague Prevention and Control