Tularemia in Rabbits
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) advises veterinarians in North Central Indiana to be aware that Francisella tularensis (tularemia) has been diagnosed (with laboratory confirmation) in multiple wild rabbits after several were found dead. No human illness has been reported; however, a hunting dog associated with the location of the rabbits has exhibited clinical signs of illness consistent with the disease.
BOAH recommends that veterinarians keep tularemia on their differential list for dogs and cats in the area with possible exposure and concurrent clinical signs.
Dogs seem to be relatively resistant to tularemia and may recover spontaneously. Clinical signs that have been reported include anorexia, depression, mild fever, lymphadenopathy, abscesses, vomiting, evidence of abdominal pain, and mucoid ocular discharge or conjunctivitis.
In cats, tularemia often begins acutely, with fever, regional or generalized lymphadenopathy, and general signs of illness, such as lethargy and anorexia. The submandibular lymph nodes are often affected, presumably because most cats are infected via prey. Affected lymph nodes may suppurate and drain. Oral lesions including white patches or ulcers may also be found. Other signs reported in some cases include icterus, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of pneumonia. The clinical signs in cats are often severe, and they can be life-threatening if not treated early. However, milder syndromes are possible.
Because ticks are a primary source of infection, pets that spend a lot of time outdoors should use an appropriately labeled preventative product. Owners should check pets regularly for ticks. Biting flies and fleas have also been implicated in spreading the bacteria. Measures to prevent contact with susceptible wild animals and potentially contaminated waters also reduce the risk of contamination and infection.
Testing
Laboratory testing uses PCR, culture and/or serologic titer. When possible, specimens should be collected prior to treatment of suspect cases.
The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue does not offer testing for tularemia. Suggested alternatives include:
- Culture, isolate identification and antibody testing:
- USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa.
In-Clinic Precautions
As with any zoonotic disease, appropriate precautions should be taken by all clinic staff who are handling suspected or confirmed cases. Protocols include wearing gloves, gowns and protective eye covering. Animals should be kept isolated. Procedures likely to produce aerosols or droplets should be avoided.
About Tularemia
Tularemia (commonly known as “rabbit fever”) is an unusual finding in Indiana, although the disease is considered endemic in small, wild rodent species, including rabbits, rats, squirrels and other small mammals. More than 250 species of mammals are considered susceptible.
The bacterial disease is usually transmitted to people by a tick bite or by touching or eating an infected animal. The ticks that are most likely to transmit tularemia are dog ticks. The bacteria can also be spread by contact with water or soil that has been contaminated by an infected animal, by a bite from an infected animal, or by inhalation of contaminated particles. Tularemia is not directly spread from person to person.
A fact sheet about tularemia can be accessed online at: https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/tularemia.pdf .
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Sent to you by:
Denise Derrer
Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
Phone: 317-544-2414
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