Nine beavers in Utah have been found dead, with three testing positive for tularemia, a disease that can also affect humans. Tularemia can infect animals and people, with rabbits, hares, and rodents being especially susceptible. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is urging the public to not touch dead animals and to report any dead beavers to officials. The bacteria that causes tularemia is present in many parts of Utah, but it is unusual to see so many animals die from it at once.
Tularemia can spread to humans through tick and deer fly bites, skin contact with infected animals, drinking contaminated water, inhaling contaminated aerosols or dust, and laboratory exposure. Also known as rabbit fever, tularemia can be life-threatening if not treated quickly but is usually treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms vary depending on how the person was infected. It is advised to take precautions when in brushy areas, such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
The last confirmed case of tularemia killing wildlife in Utah was in 2017 with a cottontail rabbit in the Kanab area. The CDC recommends preventing tularemia infection by using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling sick or dead animals, and avoiding mowing over dead animals. Gabe Hauari, a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY, emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent tick-borne or fly-borne diseases.
The CDC states that most infections of tularemia can be successfully treated with antibiotics but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Beavers across multiple counties in Utah have been affected by tularemia, highlighting the need for public awareness and caution when encountering wildlife or dead animals. Avoiding contact with dead animals, using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing can help prevent tularemia infection. Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, can affect humans and animals, making it crucial to take preventive measures.
