Tularemia is an infectious disease of mammals, especially rabbits and small rodents, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. F. tularensis can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated meat, contact with contaminated equipment or clothing or contact with contaminated water. Tularemia may also be spread by ticks, biting flies, and mosquitoes.

Tularemia is highly infectious and virulent in humans. In the United States, people exposed to wild animals (especially rabbits) and in tick-infested areas are most at risk. In 2002, human cases of tularemia were linked to infected prairie dogs sold as pets.

The CDC considers tularemia as having potential for use as a weapon of bioterrorism.

Endemic Areas

United States, Canada, Europe and northern Asia.

Clinical Signs

• Sudden death
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Ataxia (unsteadiness, loss of coordination)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rapid pulse
• Coughing

Treatment

Tularemia may be treated with antibiotics. Any animal suspected of having tularemia should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

Tularemia may be prevented by limiting contact with wild animals and taking precautions to prevent tick bites. There is no animal vaccine for tularemia.

Public Health

Tularemia is highly infectious and virulent in humans and is spread through contact with wild animals, especially rabbits and small rodents, and infected tick bites. Six forms of the disease have been described in people, depending on the site of infection.

Inhalation of F. tularensis can result in typhoidal tularemia. The symptoms of this form of the disease include fever, headache, nausea, weight loss, weakness and severe pneumonia.

The most common form of tularemia is ulceroglandular. This form of the disease is characterized by fever, headache, swollen and painful lymph nodes and skin ulcers. Glandular tularemia is similar but doesn't produce skin ulcers.

Infection of the eyes can lead to oculoglandular tularemia. In this form of the disease, the conjunctiva of the eye is swollen and painful, exudes pus, and may have nodules present. Patients may also have swollen lymph nodes.

Infection of the throat leads to oropharyngeal tularemia. This form of the disease is characterized by a swollen and painful throat with heavy mucus discharge. The lymph nodes are usually swollen.

The most severe form of tularemia is pneumonic. This form is characterized by severe pneumonia and occasionally delerium. Pneumonic tularemia can be fatal if not treated.

Links

Illinois Department of Public Health-Tularemia

CDC-Tularemia Fact Sheet

Iowa State University-Tularemia