Two recent news articles caught my attention, both as a human being and as a veterinarian. First, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported increased visits to human emergency rooms for tick bites. Global warming means the tick season is longer, tick habitat is enlarging and people have greater exposure to ticks—so do their pets.
The second article reported a rare tick-borne illness, tularemia—also known as rabbit fever—on Long Island. As of August 10th, the latest human case was linked to an outdoor housecat. The cat’s owner was bitten by the cat while trying to give the cat medication. The cat subsequently died of tularemia, and the woman is being treated for the disease.
This is a sad and unsettling story, but it highlights an important point: tularemia is not only a concern after a tick bite. Outdoor cats can encounter infected ticks, rabbits, rodents, and other wildlife. Although transmission from a pet cat to a person is rare, cats are particularly susceptible to tularemia and have been known to transmit the bacteria to people.
What is Tularemia?
Tularemia is a bacterial infection. The bacteria causing tularemia are widely found in nature. Animal hosts of the bacteria are numerous, including rabbits, beavers, muskrats, voles and sheep.
In animals, tularemia causes enlarged lymph nodes and pneumonia. If your pet becomes ill after spending time in an area with heavy tick infestation or where there are dead rabbits, tell your veterinarian, in case testing for tularemia is indicated. If you have symptoms of tularemia, see your healthcare provider.
How does Tularemia Spread?
Tularemia spreads from infected animals to people or pets in several ways:
Insect bites (such as a tick or deerfly)
Skin contact with infected animals
Contaminated food or water
Inhaling bacteria from agricultural dust or exposed tissues (such as landscaping near an animal carcass)
Ticks, flies, and fleas all may transmit the bacteria, including ticks commonly found in New York, plus the deer fly.
Protecting Yourself From Tularemia and Tick Bites
The CDC recommends using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling sick or dead animals and wearing long pants, long sleeves and long socks outside.
Wear a mask while mowing and avoid landscaping near animal carcasses. Check for ticks after being outside and properly remove them as soon as possible.
Protecting Your Pets From Tularemia
Many of the same precautions apply to protecting your pets. Use the flea and tick preventatives recommended by your veterinarian and, if you find ticks on your pet, wear gloves and remove them promptly. Wash your hands afterwards.
Don’t let your pet hunt. Cats that hunt rodents may be at particular risk, and dogs should be kept away from any carcasses they find, especially rabbits. If your pet develops signs of illness after a tick bite or wildlife exposure, contact your veterinarian promptly.