Tularemia
My-Dog.info > Dog Diseases, Bites, Worms & Ticks
What is Tularemia?
Tularemia is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium
Francisella tularensis. It is found mainly in the Northern
Hemisphere and is carried by many wild and domestic animals,
especially rabbits. Tularemia infection in persons is not common
in Canada.
What are the Symptoms of Tularemia?
Symptoms can appear within one to fourteen days and depend on
the route of exposure – skin, gastrointestinal tract, eyes,
or lungs. Skin exposures and entry of tularemia bacteria can
cause skin ulcers and swollen glands. Gastrointestinal exposures
and eating an infected animal may produce a throat infection,
abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Infected eyes can be
swollen, red, and painful. Breathing in the bacteria may cause
fever and pneumonia. Serious complications can develop.
How is Tularemia Spread?
Persons can become infected through direct contact with
tissues from infected animals (especially rodents, rabbits, and
hares). The bacteria can enter the body through a cut or abrasion
in the skin or through mucous membranes (specialized skin around
the eyes, nose and mouth).
Exposure can also occur through ingestion of contaminated
meat. Ticks and flies can become infected if they feed on
infected animals. The disease can be spread when an infected tick
or fly bites a person. Less common means of spread include
drinking contaminated water, breathing in dust from contaminated
soil, or handling contaminated pelts or paws of animals.
Who Can Get Tularemia?
Everyone is susceptible to tularemia and may get the disease
if exposed. Usually occupational exposures to infected animals
result in infections (veterinarians and persons handling rabbit
carcasses). Tularemia bacteria can be used as agents of
bioterroism.
Can Tularemia be Treated?
Antibiotics are effective in treating tularemia.
How Can Tularemai be Prevented?
Follow hygienic food handling practices. Eat properly cooked
meat. Avoid drinking untreated water. Follow basic precautions to
prevent disease transmission when handling animals. Wear
waterproof gloves and thoroughly wash hands after handling.
Insect repellents and long clothing should be used when walking
through areas known to contain F. Tularensis-infected deer flies
and ticks.
For additional information, contact your regional Public
Health office or your family doctor.
March 2004
Source: Joint initiative of the New Brunswick Veterinary
Medical Association and the Government of New Brunswick
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