USFS to close some sites in South Lake Tahoe to address plague issue

Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach, Valhalla and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center will all be closed on Wednesday so the U.S. Forest Service can conduct pesticide treatments to reduce the risk of plague. The Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail will remain open, but signs will be posted where the trail crosses closed sites.

The gates to these areas will close on Tuesday evening, September 15 at 7 p.m. and likely reopen on Thursday morning, September 17.

County and state public health and vector control officials will dust all rodent burrows with a pesticide to reduce infestations of fleas that can carry plague.

“We are following all recommendations from county officials to ensure that the minimal public health risk is reduced even further,” said Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “We anticipate the sites will reopen Thursday, and we look forward to a busy and safe fall season.”

A dead California ground squirrel found at the Kiva picnic area adjacent to the Tallac Historic Site tested positive for plague earlier this month. El Dorado County officials issued a news release, and the Forest Service has posted the sites extensively warning visitors that plague has been detected, explaining what precautions to follow and encouraging reporting of any sick or dead rodents.

Plague is an infectious bacterial disease spread by squirrels, chipmunks, and other wild rodents and their fleas. Plague is endemic (naturally occurring) in many parts of California and is most common in rural and undeveloped mountain regions. Chances of human infection are minimal with proper precautions, and the disease is curable in its early stages with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Once the pesticide treatments are complete, the sites will reopen. Visitors should avoid all contact with squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas. Do not camp or sit next to rodent burrows. Do not feed rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and garbage in rodent-proof containers. Wear long pants tucked into boots and use insect repellent to avoid flea exposure.

To protect pets, leave them at home if possible. If not, keep them confined or on a leash. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore burrows. Protect pets with flea control products. Report sick or dead rodents to forest, campground or local health officials.

To report a sick or dead rodent, contact El Dorado County Vector Control at 530-573-3197. For more information on plague in California, visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/Plague.aspx.