Squirrel tests positive for bubonic plague. Here’s what you need to know

A squirrel in Morrison, Colorado tested positive for the bubonic plague, according to an announcement made by county health officials on Sunday. The disease, which is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, can affect humans, household pets and wild animals alike. Lawrence Stanberry, director of the programs in global health at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York said that the chances of a squirrel being positive for the virus affecting humans would be very low.