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through tick or fly bites or via contact with sick or dead infected wild animals, especially squirrels, rabbits, and rodents, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Until recently, exposure was mostly limited to animals, but with tularemia running rampant in some states, health officials are warning pet owners that the highly infectious disease can be transmitted to humans as well.
Historically, tularemia is an uncommon disease in the U.S., with only about seven animal cases reported annually. However, 2023 recorded an unprecedented 21 cases, and with this year already halfway through, 2024's tally is well on its way to exceeding the annual average. The BAH predicts the number of tularemia cases will continue to soar as more and more animals are showing clinical signs consistent with the harmful disease.
"Pet owners need to be aware that cats, especially, can become very ill with a high fever and can quickly succumb to the disease. It's important for pet owners to be aware of this disease in their pets because it is possible for a person to become infected as well," saysSimilar to animals, humans can catch tularemia by handling infected sick or dead animals or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, per the CDC.