Introduction
Welcome, fellow pet enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that might be new to many of us—tularemia, a disease that affects not just our furry friends but also birds, animals, and humans. Let’s explore this ‘rabbit fever’ together and learn how to keep our pets safe and healthy.
What is Tularemia?
Tularemia, also known as ‘rabbit fever,’ is a rare bacterial disease that can be found across the Northern Hemisphere. It’s caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which comes in two strains, Type A and Type B. While both strains can affect cats, Type A is known to cause more severe disease in humans.
Transmission of Tularemia
Here in North America, tularemia is primarily spread through four types of ticks: Dermacentor andersoni, D. variabilis, D. occidentalis, and Amblyomma americanum. These ticks pick up the bacteria from infected animals or birds and can pass it on to other animals throughout their two-year life cycle. Fleas, with their similar feeding habits, can also transmit tularemia. Cats are particularly at risk if they consume infected rabbits or rodents.
Symptoms in Pets
Dogs tend to be more resistant to tularemia, showing only mild symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and a low fever. Cats, however, are more susceptible. Infected cats may develop abscesses at the tick bite site, high fevers, and swollen lymph nodes. After about a week, they might have discharge from their nose and eyes and develop a rash. In severe cases, internal abscesses can form in their spleens or livers. Kittens and puppies are usually more affected than adult animals.
Diagnosis of Tularemia
Diagnosing tularemia involves a blood test that checks for the animal’s antibodies to F. tularensis. It’s important to note that antibodies might not be detected in the early stages of the disease, as the body takes time to produce them. As the disease progresses, antibody levels will rise. The definitive diagnosis comes from successfully growing F. tularensis in the lab from the animal’s discharges or tissues.
Treatment Options
While the best antibiotic for treating tularemia in cats is still undetermined, in humans, gentamicin and streptomycin are commonly used. Newer antibiotics like enrofloxacin (Baytril) and ciprofloxacin may also be effective. It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate treatment for your pet.
Prevention Measures
Preventing tularemia mainly involves tick and flea control. Using products that repel and kill these pests, such as those containing pyrethrin, etofenprox, or similar ingredients, can be highly effective. It’s also important to keep your cats indoors to minimize their risk of infection. Additionally, ensure your cats do not come into contact with dead rodents or rabbits, as these can be potential sources of infection.
Tularemia in Humans
For us humans, tularemia typically presents as a lesion at the site of a tick bite, known as an ‘indolent ulcer,’ along with enlarged lymph nodes. If the bacteria is ingested, for instance, by consuming undercooked rabbit or through unwashed hands after handling an infected rabbit, symptoms can include intestinal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s worth noting that F. tularensis can survive in frozen rabbit meat for over three years.
Conclusion
Tularemia may be rare, but it’s essential to be aware of its risks and symptoms, especially if you live in an area where ticks and fleas are common. By taking preventive measures and staying informed, we can ensure the health and well-being of our beloved pets. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s the key to keeping our furry friends safe from ‘rabbit fever.’
Article by: Veterinary & Aqu