Rabbit fever, commonly referred to as tularaemia, is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Although uncommon, incidents have lately increased in the United States, with a 56% increase from 2011 to 2022, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This zoonotic disease primarily affects animals such as rabbits, rats, and hares, but it can spread to people via a variety of routes. Here’s a closer look at rabbit fever, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself.
What causes rabbit fever?
Rabbit fever is caused by a bacterium called Francisella tularensis, which can spread through:
- Bites from infected ticks or deer flies.
- Direct contact with infected animals.
- Contaminated water or soil.
- Inhaling infected dust or aerosols, mostly during agricultural or landscaping activities….