What best defines "sylvatic plague"?

Sylvatic plague specifically refers to the form of plague that primarily affects wild rodents, rabbits, and hares. This disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is endemic in certain wildlife populations. In contrast to urban plague, which involves domestic animals and is often linked to human populations, sylvatic plague is typically found in rural or wilderness areas where these animals live.

Understanding the context of this disease helps highlight its ecological significance, as sylvatic plague can have important implications for wildlife health and management, as well as potential spillover effects to human populations, primarily through flea vectors. The other options refer to incorrect interpretations of plague or misrepresent the disease, as sylvatic plague is distinctly associated with wild animal populations and is not limited to urban environments, household pets, or viral infections in wild animals.