June 3, '06
Today's Pueblo Chieftain had a brief article about a farm west of Trinidad CO housecat having the plague. Good info on how it come's about. Flea's draw blood from infected animals, then find another host, tap their blood and regurgitate the infection into the new host.
Dad has said: "the plague is a ranchers best friend when it comes to prairie dogs.". I don't agree, but, here's some facts as I've seen it happen.
No shooters, and the town builds up population for 4-7 years and they'll die off from the plague. Shoot 'em up good every summer at least once, several times is better and they'll stay healthy for over 25 yrs. OR has in a few towns I've shot in over the past 25-30 yrs. Usually it take's 2-3 yrs before fresh one's move back into a dead town.
About 1999, I had a buyer for p/dog head's @ $2 each, and whole if not shot up too bad for $10. Over three years time I sold several hundred heads and maybe 50 whole one's I'd shot with FMJ's. Extra bucks paid for a new barreling, stock and scope for my rig. I was careful handling them and IF/when I saw fleas, I'd spray them, or else not take that particular head. I never actually touched them with my bare hands. I'd use a long blade to cut it off, then stick my hand inside a baggy and pick it up, roll the bag closed and seal it. Then they'd go on ice til I got to a freezer. Had an old one big enough to hold a good sized styrofoam cooler inside so I'd just pack the fresh in on top the rest til it was full. THen phone the buyer and take them to UPS and ship them out.
Sure made one of the girls sick when she insisted on inspecting the contents even after I explained what was in the box. The long time girl clerk knew better and stood back away watching. She knew what was gonna happen same as I did. She sure made a heck of a mess dumping up her lunch!!!
What really spooked me was one time a momma and 6 pups were on a mound. I shot the pups, and she'd jump up an down cussing me out til all the pups were shot. THen I shot her. Decided to go collect them and move on. When I reached down for her with the whole rear half blown off she lunged at me nearly two feet with wide open mouth and fangs bared. Tell you what, she looked just about like a house cat's mouth in full yawn. I then stomped her out mashing the skull. Word to the wise here, IF you go looking at the dead one's, make Dxxxnd sure they're dead! I'll bet they'd make a nasty infection to a hand, or foot even thru a boot.
Good shootin,
George
