You are here: Health Home > Communicable Disease Control > A-Z Diseases > Tularemia

Preventing Tularemia

Fact Sheet (PDF 66 KB)

Transmission usually occurs from contact with infected rabbits and can also occur after the bite of an infected tick. Exposure can also occur through contaminated water, inadequately cooked meat, or inhalation of aerosolized organisms or contaminated particles.

Rabbit hunters and trappers are at particular risk when exposed to contaminated blood when skinning animals. Rubber gloves should be worn when handling the carcasses of wild rabbits and other potentially infected animals.

People should protect themselves from tularemia by wearing protective clothing to avoid bites from ticks and other arthropods. When hiking or visiting tick-infested areas, insect repellant can be used to help decrease exposures to ticks.

Game meat should be cooked thoroughly.

• Wear rubber gloves when handling the carcasses of wild rabbits and other potentially infected animals.
• Cooked game meat thoroughly.

• There is no vaccination against tularemia.

Top of Page

Tularemia : General Information | Symptoms | Prevention | Diagnosis | Treatment | Resources