When Rabbit Fever Strikes Your Pet

Rabbit fever was more widely diagnosed in wild rabbit in the southeast part of Fort Collins where a large number of rabbits died of this infection.

Quite right, it is not always a good idea to allow your pets to roam freely, as they could be affected by bacteria like Francisella tularensis that causes Tularemia or rabbit fever. Tularemia affects humans as well as animals like rabbits and other wild rodents, livestock and pets like pigs, horses, dogs, cats, sheep, beaver, muskrats, fish and birds, with cattle also sometimes affected.

The different ways the infection is spread are:

• The bacteria for rabbit fever or Tularemia is found in organs or body fluids of an infected animal; this bacteria that can live for long times in soil, vegetation and water serve as a source of infection for animals and humans. So it is not advisable to eat uncooked or under-cooked flesh of animals that may be infested with the bacteria as well as take contaminated water, with this rule applying to canine, feline, and human hunters.

• Infection could also be developed by handling sick or dead animals that harbor the Tularemia bacteria. In addition the bacteria could also spread infection when animals inhale the bacteria or they have direct contact with the contaminated environments or are bitten by infected flies and ticks that bite them.

The symptoms in rabbits that have been infected by tularemia are that it would be slow and appear to be tame and not running away from human beings. In addition you would find that the rabbit’s head is lowered and the rabbit would rub its nose and front feet into the ground. You would also find the rabbit staggering with repeated spasm in the muscles. It is also common to find wild rabbit that are found dead. Dogs and cats are also affected by this infection, with early treatment being the requirement to save the domesticated animals.

The treatment lies in administering antibiotics that is combined with supportive care. It is best to take the animal to the vet immediately. However prevention of infection is better than cure.

Prevention of rabbit fever or tularemia:

• It is best to avoid handling sick or dead animals; if at all it is absolutely necessary handle them with disposable gloves. It would also help to put a repellent to protect you from fleas and ticks and use a shovel to scoop up the dead animal. Place it in a plastic bag dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle. Ensure you wash your hands well afterwards.

• It would help to keep your pets confined preferably leashed so that it cannot go near the sick or dead animal.

• Ensure you use an insect repellent that contains DEET when you go outdoors near rabbits and rodents.

• Consult the vet and ensure you use a tick and flea preventative on pets.   

• Ensure your pet is not fed raw meat especially of wild animals; both meat and other foods should be cooked well before feeding them.

• Always make sure you and your pet take water from a safe source.

• Ensure you wash fruits and vegetables well before eating or cooking.

Have you ensured you pet is not infected by rabbit fever?

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