Is this why the Shanghai government is freaking out with its new dog regulations? Its now suspected that a canine companion was the origin of the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Qinghai province. The dead dog most likely ate a plague-infected marmot. His owner then became infected while burying his dog and his relatives and neighbors became infected by coming near him without taking protective measures. So far three people in Ziketan have died, one patient is in critical condition, seven others have been confirmed infected and over 100,000 have been quarantined. Source: SCMP (paywalled) more ›