Stray cat found in North Albuquerque Acres died of plague

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a stray cat found in North Albuquerque Acres was confirmed to have died of plague. They say a recent case of plague in a dog in the same vicinity could indicate re-emergence of the bacterial infection in a part of the city where it was no longer thought to be found. Albuquerque Environmental Health Department officials say their ongoing surveillance has not detected plague in North Albuquerque Acres since the late 1990s. They're asking residents in the area to report any pets, wildlife or feral cats that appear to be sick or to have died without obvious physical trauma. Cats are particularly susceptible to plague and plague can readily be spread among cats in feral colonies. Left untreated or not diagnosed promptly, plague can be fatal in humans.