Pets linked to US plague

THREE patients living in the same US state have been diagnosed with the plague this month.

The New Mexico Health Department said two more people had contracted the disease, following the first case earlier last month.

The two women, aged 52 and 62, and the 63-yearold man, live in the densely populated Santa Fe county.

Officials have urged people to keep an eye on their pets amid fears they are bringing infected fleas into the home.