Plague detected in Badlands-Conata ecosystem, risk to humans low

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - On June 5, the National Parks Service confirmed that the sylvatic plague, or the black death, is the reason for black-footed ferret die-off in the Badlands.

The plague has not been detected in the Badlands-Conata ecosystem since 2009 when it killed more than 80 percent of the black-footed ferret population, bringing their numbers down to less than 50. Since then, the population of the black-footed ferret has grown to around 160, according to Superintendant of Badlands National Park Eric Veach. The plague was brought to the United States from Europe in the early 20th century and has since become native to rodents and fleas in the western part of the United States.

Veterinary epidemiologist for the National Park Service, Danielle Buttke explained that while the risk to humans is low, visitors should still take precautions.

“The risk to humans overall is quite low. Plague is definitely a very serious and scary disease so it’s important we take this recent detection as a reminder that this is a risk that’s always present. However, Plague is extremely rare, it’s readily treated with antibiotics so long as medical attention is given promptly and there’s many things we can do to prevent it. We recommend visitors stay on trails when recreating outdoors, wear insect repellent, avoid any contact with sick or dead wildlife and rodent burrows, and then make sure you keep your pets leashed and current with flea and tick preventative” Buttke said.

The plague typically only infects around seven people every year and has never infected someone in South Dakota, according to the South Dakota Department of Health. Symptoms of the plague begin anywhere from two to six days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes, and muscle aches. If exposed, people should communicate with a healthcare provider that they may have been exposed to plague.

While the plague poses a very real threat to the black-footed ferret population, the National Park Service and United States Forest Service have vaccinated some of the ferrets against the plague and hope they will be more resilient during this outbreak.

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