Tularemia is a caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. The disease has been seen in humans, mammals, birds, reptiles and fish About Tularemia | Tularemia | CDC. Humans become infected with the bacteria after a bite from an infected tick or deer fly. There are 3 types of ticks that can transfer the bacteria to humans and animals, Rocky Mountain wood tick, lone star tick and the American dog tick. They can also become sick through contact from an infected animal, or indirectly through contaminated food or water. Animals who typically become infected include rabbits, mice, and rats. It is common in the south-central United States (US), but infections have been seen in all states except Hawaii. Tularemia also has a predilection for Massachusetts, especially Martha’s Vineyard. This may stem from the introduction of rabbits to the island in the late 1930s. Symptoms range from very mild flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. An ulceration of the skin where the bitten can occur. Ulceration of the skin can also be seen where the bite occurred Signs and Symptoms of Tularemia | Tularemia | CDC. Ocular problems such as conjunctivitis and sensitivity to light can happen if you touch your eye after touching infected tissue. After eating/drinking food or water contaminated by tularemia symptoms such severe throat pain can occur. A pneumonic form of tularemia can happen when the bacteria is aerosolized from the soil with the use of farm machinery or mowers. Incubation is short, 3-5 days after exposure through the air, ingestion or bite of a tick or deer fly. Diagnosis is difficult because tularemia mimics other diseases, and unless it is suspected treatment will be delayed. Diagnosis is made through clinical history, exposure to bites from tick or deer fly, blood test, culture and molecular testing. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics especially when caught early. The mortality rate can be as high as 30% if untreated. There were 10 reported cases of tularemia in Kentucky in 2023 Tularemia Data and Statistics | Tularemia | CDC.

Cases of Tularemia in the 2023 (Tularemia Data and Statistics | Tularemia | CDC)

In animals it is seen in dogs, cats, sheep, horses and pigs. Rabbits (jackrabbits too) are the hosts of tularemia Tularemia in Animals - Generalized Conditions - Merck Veterinary Manual. Symptoms depend on the route of infection and host. Range of symptoms can be subclinical to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, cough (pneumonic form), enlarged spleen and liver. The Incubation range is 1-10 days after exposure. Diagnosed is confirmed through clinical history, blood test, culture and molecular biology. Treatment is very effective if started early using antibiotics.