Tularemia found in rabbit

The health department reported Friday that tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” has been found in a rabbit in northern Larimer County.

Bacteria from the droppings or urine of sick animals, usually rabbits, can contaminate soil and spread the disease, according to a news release from the county.

A recent die-off suggested a possible tularemia outbreak among rabbits in that area, the health department said.

“Because tularemia is naturally occurring in Larimer County, precautions should always be taken to prevent infection,” public health director Tom Gonzales said in the news release. “It is important to keep children and pets away from wild animals.”

In recent years, most human tularemia cases along the Front Range have been attributed to activities involving soil and vegetation, the health department said. Larimer County has recorded 18 human cases since 2009; 35 animals have tested positive for the disease since 2009.

Tularemia can be transmitted to people who handle infected animals; from the bite of infected insects (most commonly ticks and deer flies); by exposure to contaminated food, water or soil; by eating, drinking, putting hands to eyes, nose or mouth before washing after outdoor activities; by direct contact with breaks in the skin; or by inhaling particles carrying the bacteria (through mowing or blowing vegetation and excavating soil).

Typical signs of infection in humans may include fever, chills, headache, swollen and painful lymph glands and fatigue.

Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics, and the health department recommends that anyone with any of these signs seek medical attention as soon as possible. The agency also advises people to wear gloves when gardening.