‘Rabbit fever’ confirmed in El Paso County
El Paso County Public Health says a rabbit that was found dead near Yoder has tested positive for Tularemia.
The rabbit was tested after a resident noticed a large number of dead rabbits in the area. Laboratory tests confirmed the animal died of tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever.” A dog that lives in the same area as the dead rabbit has also tested positive for tularemia and is being treated with antibiotics.
No human cases of infection have been reported in El Paso County this year. There have been 12 statewide. El Paso County’s last reported human case of tularemia occurred in 2010.
“Because tularemia is endemic in El Paso County, precautions to prevent tularemia infection should always be taken,” said Environmental Health Program Manager Lee Griffen, R.E.H.S. “It’s important to take steps to protect pets and children by keeping them away from wild animals.”
Tularemia Data:
El Paso County
– 3 human cases in El Paso County since 2005 (0 deaths).
– 17 total animals have tested positive for tularemia since 2005
– Types of animals that have tested positive: dogs, rabbits, tree squirrels
Colorado
– 12 human cases in 2015 to date
Tularemia is a bacterial infection most commonly transmitted to humans by the handling of sick or dead animals infected with tularemia. Infection can also arise from the bite of infected insects (most commonly ticks and deer flies). Hunters who skin animals without gloves and are exposed to infected blood through an open wound are also at risk. They can also be exposed by touching contaminated soil, drinking contaminated water or inhaling bacteria from areas where infected animals have died.
Typical signs of infection in humans are similar to plague and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest pain, and coughing. Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics. Anyone who becomes ill after exposure to a sick or dead animal, or after spending time in areas where sick or dead wild animals have been seen, should contact a medical provider.
Dogs and cats also get tularemia by eating infected rabbits or other rodents and through tick and deer fly bites. If your pet shows symptoms of illness including fever, nasal and eye discharge, and skin sores, take it promptly to a veterinarian. Tularemia is easily treated if diagnosed early in dogs and cats.
Residents who find dead animals, especially wild rabbits, on their property are advised to dispose of animals by taking the following steps: apply insect repellant, wear gloves, and use a shovel to place the remains in a double trash bag. Dispose in a trash receptacle. Wash hands well with warm soapy water.
Recommended precautions include:
Do not handle sick animals. If a dead animal must be moved, follow the steps outlined above.
Leash your pets when outdoors and keep them away from dead animals. When outdoors near places where wild rabbits or rodents are present, wear an insect repellent containing DEET. Wear proper footwear outdoors where dead animals have been found. Routinely use a tick and flea preventative on pets. Avoid mowing over dead animals. Wear gloves while gardening or landscaping, and wash your hands after these activities.
If you hunt, trap or skin animals, take additional steps:
Use impervious gloves when skinning or handling animals, especially rabbits. Cook the meat of wild rabbits thoroughly to a temperature of 165 degrees F. or higher.
