Tularemia in animals

A rabbit sits in a grassy outdoor setting.

Tularemia (also known as rabbit fever) is a rare, highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease most often affects lagomorphs (rabbits and hares) and rodents, and outbreaks in these species often result in high death rates. However, hundreds of other wild and domestic mammal species—including people—also are susceptible. Examples of domestic animals include sheep, cats, dogs, pigs, and horses. Cattle appear to be resistant to disease.

Tularemia is considered a reportable animal disease in the United States. It has been found in every state except Hawaii, with Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas together accounting for more than half of cases nationwide. The organism can survive for weeks to months in a most environment, and only a small amount (10-50 organisms) is capable of causing disease.