Tularemia

Tularemia (rabbit fever) is a disease primarily of rabbits but can also be found in rodents (rock squirrels and woodrats) and transmitted to humans. Tularemia is caused by the bacteria, Francisella tularensis and is very similar to plague. These animals usually die from the infection. The primary way that humans become infected is by contact with blood and tissues of infected rabbits. Direct contact cases usually involve hunters who field dress infected rabbits without wearing gloves allowing the bacteria to enter the body through open cuts or abrasions in the skin. Humans also may become infected through the bites of infected ticks or deer flies.

Human Symptoms

Symptoms can appear within two to ten days after exposure but most people experience symptoms within three to five days. The usual symptoms include fever, headache, chills, weakness, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the armpit, elbow, groin or neck. An open sore or ulcer may also appear at the site of infection. These symptoms are similar to plague symptoms, therefore it is very important to seek medical attention and with early diagnosis and antibiotics this disease is easily treatable.

Pets

Pets are most likely to acquire tularemia from eating infected rabbits/rodents and also from tick and deer fly bites. Cats with tularemia may have a high fever, a lack of appetite and act sluggish. Dogs with the disease have a high fever, nasal and eye discharge and open skin sores at the site of infection. If these symptoms are present, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. As with humans, this disease is easily treated if diagnosed early.

Surveillance

Tularemia has been found in the East Mountains, North Albuquerque Acres, and Sandia Heights. Tularemia is more active April-October and does overlap with plague in its seasonality and locality. Residents in these endemic areas who find a rabbit or rodent which died for no apparent reason need to contact Integrated Vector Management staff to retrieve the animal. Tissue samples will be taken and sent for testing at the Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD). Integrated Vector Management staff will also be notified by the New Mexico Department of Health if a dog or cat has been diagnosed with tularemia. Upon notification of an infected animal, Integrated Vector Management staff will conduct follow-up surveillance and control in the affected area. Samples will be taken from captured animals and sent to the SLD for testing to determine the extent of the disease. Also, rodent burrows in the affected area will be treated with insecticide to kill any infected ticks. Educational outreach will also be conducted in the affected area to provide information to the residents on tularemia prevention and control.

Preventive Strategies

• Avoid contact with dead rabbits/rodents and contact Integrated Vector Management staff immediately
• Keep pets confined to prevent them from ingesting infected animals
• Regularly dust pets and their bedding with flea/tick powder
• Eliminate/reduce rodent harborage such as wood piles, bird feeders, water fountains/ponds, etc.