Which of the following statements is true about the transmission of plague?

The statement that plague can be transmitted through handling infected animals is accurate, as the plague pathogen, Yersinia pestis, primarily exists in rodents and is often spread to humans through direct contact. When individuals handle tissues or fluids from animals infected with the plague, they can become infected. Additionally, the fleas that live on these animals can also transmit the disease through bites, but direct contact with infected animals is a recognized transmission route.

Understanding the other options provides context for the correct statement. Plague is not exclusively transmitted through ticks; while ticks can harbor various diseases, they are not a primary vector for Yersinia pestis. Additionally, while pneumonic plague can indeed be airborne, this mode of transmission is not the primary means in urban settings where plague typically occurs. It is more common for the disease to be transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected animals. Lastly, Yersinia pestis is not spread through contaminated water supplies; rather, it is vector-borne or zoonotic. Therefore, the assertion that handling infected animals can lead to infection is the correct understanding of plague transmission.