Tularemia
What is it?
Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. These bacteria
are most commonly carried by rodents or rabbits, which is why the disease is
commonly referred to as “rabbit fever.” Hundreds of species are susceptible to
the disease and the bacteria can survive for weeks in the environment. Cats are
the most commonly infected domestic animals in Minnesota.
Tularemia impacts both humans and animals, and the Board
works closely with the Department of Health to track and respond to reported
cases. An average of three (3) cases in animals (with a range from 0 to 14
cases) are reported in Minnesota each year. Between zero (0) and six (6) cases
are reported annually in people. The number of cases reported in both humans and
animals is increasing.
How is it transmitted?
The most common way for domestic animals to be exposed to tularemia
is through direct contact. Animals can contract the disease by ingesting an
infected animal or through the bite of an infected tick or fly. Because the
bacteria survive for several weeks in the environment; animals can also
contract tularemia through contact with contaminated water, soil, or
vegetation.
What are the clinical signs?
Animals affected by tularemia often present with
non-descript signs which may vary by species. Clinical signs typically appear
within 1 to 10 days of exposure to the bacteria. Signs can include abrupt onset
of high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, oral ulcers, loss of appetite, vomiting,
weakness and/or depression. Animals may also be asymptomatic. Contact your
veterinarian and the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect your animal
is infected with this disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Tularemia has similar clinical signs to many other diseases,
including plague, and high-risk species like cats and sheep should be closely
monitored. A veterinarian can confirm the disease by collecting a swab from a
lesion or draining a lymph node and submitting it to a laboratory for culture
or by submitting blood samples.
What is the treatment?
Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics prescribed by your
veterinarian. Once appropriate antibiotics are administered, most animals,
especially cats, improve rapidly.
Is there a risk to people?
Yes, humans can contract tularemia following contact with an
infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Veterinary staff and
laboratory personnel are at a higher risk of exposure as well as hunters,
trappers, landscapers, farmers, and people who spend time outdoors where ticks
and biting flies are common. Ingestion of contaminated water and inhalation of
contaminated aerosols or agricultural dusts has resulted in infection. Tularemia
is not spread from person to person, however it is monitored as a potential
bioterrorism agent. If you suspect an infection you should immediately contact
your physician and the Minnesota Department of Health.
How can it be prevented?
Because the bacteria can survive for extended periods of
time in the environment, prevention is difficult. Best practices include washing
your hands after handling livestock and other outdoor animals, avoiding exposure
to wild animals (wear gloves if you must handle them), using insect repellent,
avoiding mowing over dead animals to unintentionally aerosolize an infected
carcass, cooking wild game meat thoroughly, and washing all fruits and
vegetables before consuming. Veterinary professionals should wear appropriate
personal protective equipment (gloves and mask) when examining animals with
suspected tularemia. Keeping cats indoors and not allowing them to hunt small
animals can also decrease risk of exposure.
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