Tularemia, a rare and dangerous disease carried by rabbits and ticks, has been detected in Colorado.

A case of a rare but potentially dangerous disease carried by rabbits and ticks has been reported in northern Colorado. Local health officials are warning that the risk of human infection increases with the onset of summer, writes USA Today.

On June 9, health officials reported that tularemia had been detected in a dead rabbit in Larimer County. They estimate the disease is likely spread to other areas as well. While human infection is rare, it can be spread through insect bites, contact with animals, and dust inhalation, making precautions especially important during the outdoor season.

"Since tularemia has been detected in Larimer County, it's important to take steps to prevent infection," said county health officer Paul Meyer. He recommended residents "use effective repellents, check their skin for ticks after being outdoors, and keep children and pets away from wild animals, including rabbits and squirrels."

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What is tularemia?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tularemia is caused by bacteria commonly found in rabbits and rodents. Humans can become infected through contact with infected animal tissue, inhaling contaminated dust, or drinking contaminated water.

Transmission of the infection is also possible through bites of ticks and deer flies.

According to the CDC, tularemia is a rare disease in humans. In 2023, 196 cases of infection were reported in the United States. However, the situation was different in the mid-20th century: back then, approximately 1000 cases were recorded annually.

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How to reduce the risk of contracting tularemia

Colorado authorities, among other things, listed preventative measures that help reduce the risk of infection:

• When working in the garden, use gloves and be sure to wash your hands before eating or touching your face;
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents that are effective against ticks and biting insects, such as those with DEET or picaridin;
• When mowing the grass, using a leaf blower or digging the ground, wear a dust mask;
• go outside wearing closed shoes, especially in places where dead animals may be;
• Use protective gloves when removing dead rabbits or rodents from the area.

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