Officials with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced last week that tularemia had been identified in the bodies of wild cottontail rabbits found dead near Middlebury.
Tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever," is a bacterial disease that can affect dozens of species of animals but is especially common in rabbits. While it is extremely rare, Tularemia can infect humans.
"Being transmitted to humans is not common," said Matt Broadway, a small game biologist with the DNR. "We rarely have reports of Tularemia in humans. We probably see more Lyme disease cases.”
Tularemia can also infect pets like dogs and cats.
"It is a treatable condition. Any vet can prescribe a series of antibiotics, probably similar to what would be prescribed for Lyme Disease," Broadway said. "Most animals will be fine as long as it’s detected and cared for and they’ll make a full recovery."
The bacteria that cause Tularemia can be spread in several ways, including direct contact with infected animals, bites from infected insects and airborne particles. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control on preventing infection includes: Using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling sick or dead animals and avoiding mowing over dead animals.
Officials are asking people to report unexplained die-offs of wild rabbits using an online form.
