How to keep pets safe from rising animal tularemia cases in Minnesota

The number of animal tularemia cases has increased in the past two years, with 21 cases reported in Minnesota in 2023 and seven cases confirmed so far 2024, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH).

Tularemia is a potentially severe illness that can infect animals and people that occurs naturally in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis , found in wildlife — particularly rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents.

Only about seven animal tularemia cases are reported annually; however, cases have been increasing. According to the MDH, animals that have not been tested also show clinical signs consistent with tularemia, according to veterinarians. This trend is higher with cats in the Twin Cities metro area.

In May 2024, a person from Ramsey County developed tularemia after being bitten by a stray cat, while in June, a person from Hennepin County became infected after mowing over a dead animal.

Pets are often exposed to tularemia by hunting wild animals but can also be exposed through tick or fly bites.

"This increase in animal cases is likely partially driven by increased recognition and testing by veterinarians," said Maria Bye, senior epidemiologist in the Zoonotic Diseases Unit at MDH. "Pet owners must know that cats can become very ill with a high fever and quickly succumb to the disease."

Signs of illness in animals include a high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, newly formed skin or mouth ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.

All forms of tularemia in humans are accompanied by a sudden onset of fever. Other signs and symptoms include skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, chills, joint and muscle pain, and nausea. Symptoms generally appear three to five days after exposure but may occur as soon as the next day or up to 14 days after exposure.

MDH says that you and your pets can stay safe from tularemia by keeping them indoors, not allowing them to hunt small animals, and giving them tick-preventative medication.

They also recommend insect repellent to stop ticks and flies from biting and avoiding contact with wild animals.

If pets spend significant time outside or have had known rabbit or rodent contact and develop symptoms consistent with tularemia, MDH and BAH encourage owners to bring them to their veterinarian for evaluation.

Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal that meets these criteria should call MDH at 651-201-5414 and their health care professional for advice on what to do next.