07/02/2024
The Sheridan County Public Health and the Wyoming Department of Health are advising residents that human cases of tularemia or “rabbit fever” are above average for this time of year. As of June 28th, 2024, Sheridan County has reported 6 confirmed human cases of tularemia.
Wild animal hosts for the bacteria that causes tularemia include cottontail, jackrabbits, rodents, and beavers. However, dogs and cats can be infected and transmit the disease. The most common arthropod vectors for the bacteria include the wood tick, the dog tick, and the deer fly.
While cats are more susceptible to tularemia than dogs, they can both become infected, as well as humans, by the below methods:
-A bite from an infected tick or deer fly
-Bites or scratches from other predators with contaminated teeth or claws
-Ingesting contaminated water or consuming contaminated animal meat
-Inhalation of the organism by breathing contaminated dust particles
-Mowing or clearing areas with infected animal carcasses
-Skin contact with infected animals or an infected carcass (predominantly rabbits, rodents, or hares)
Clinical disease in cats can vary from mild to fatal. Dogs can develop mild, self-limiting disease. Brief episodes of anorexia, lethargy, and low-grade fever are typical. Other symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, enlarged liver, depression, dehydration, yellowing of skin or mucous membranes, abscesses, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory signs, and oral ulceration. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, please contact us at 307-674-4111. Please let us know if you are concerned about tularemia infection.
Symptoms of tularemia in humans depend on the route of infection and can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle/body aches, skin ulcers, coughing, and/or pneumonia. If you are experiencing signs of sickness, please contact your healthcare provider. It is important to report any potential exposure to sick animals, dead animals, or tick bites to your healthcare provider if these symptoms are observed.
If you have further concerns, you may contact: SCPH PIO Edward Hinzman at [email protected] or 307-672-5169.
Be sure to visit www.sheridancountywy.gov for the latest County news and information.