Tularemia
Fact Sheet (PDF
66 KB)
Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Francisella
tularensis.
This bacterium has been found in approximately 100 species of wild mammals
(rabbits, muskrats, etc.), 9 species of domestic animals (sheep, cattle,
cats, etc.), arthropods (ticks, deerflies, and mosquitoes) as well as water
and soil contaminated by infected animals. In Colorado, the bacteria are
most commonly found in rabbits.
People that have occupational or recreational exposures to these animals,
such as rabbit hunters and trappers, are at the greatest risk for tularemia.
In addition, laboratory technicians that may work with this bacterium should
be very cautious since it is very infectious, especially when aerosolized.
There is no vaccination against tularemia. |
