In the 4 corners area of the south west it is rampant. It surfaces periodically killing off some Navahos and other tribes. It does indeed reside in the Prairie dogs of the area, but goes dormant for years and then breaks out again. Fortunately for the tribes in that area the doctors are familiar with it and the symptoms and most of the time they can get to the patient in time and if so then the cure is swift and easy. However, the longer a person waits to be treated the harder it is to cure.
Thanks. I’ll be watchful. It’s been at higher elevations for a long time, too, but we take some precautions. ...not many fleas, if any, up here but probably other possible ways of transmission.