"Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. In 2006, a
total of 13 human plague cases have been reported among residents of four states: New
Mexico (seven cases), Colorado (three cases), California (two cases), and Texas (one
case). This is the largest number of cases reported in a single year in the United
States since 1994."

to make matters worse multidrug resistant plague bacteria have been found in the US.
INgrid

On Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:51:17 -0700, "David E. Ross" wrote:
Plague among humans is rare but not unknown in southern California.

It seems that the newspapers carry an article at least once each year,
warning people to avoid contact with squirrels and other small mammals.
This warning is especially strong when the animal appears ill.
However, such a warning could also apply to avoiding rabies as much as
avoiding plague. When the warning mentions dead animals, then plague is
usually the concern.