Wildlife Medical Clinic warns of rabbit fever in Central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Wildlife Medical Clinic at University of Illinois is said they have noticed an increase of rabbit fever across Central Illinois.

Tularemia, more commonly called rabbit fever, is a highly infectious disease. Since April, the clinic has treated four Eastern cottontails for the bacteria causing rabbit fever.

While the disease is common for rabbits, cats and rodents, it’s quite rare for humans. The CDC estimates only 200 people are infected with the disease nationally each year.

The disease can be spread to humans and other animals through tick/deer fly bites, inhalation of aerosols and skin contact with infected animals. Clinic officials said the disease is not known to spread from person to person; it only has been reported to spread from animal to person.

Clinic officials urge pet owners to keep pets away from sick, injured or dead wildlife. Additionally, they remind people to wear protective equipment like gloves, eye protection and a N95 mask if possible, for removing injured animals.

Also recommended is doing a sweep of the yard for any dead animals before mowing the lawn decreases the risk of spreading aerosols. The bacteria causing the disease can survive in the soil for weeks.

Rabbit fever can cause pneumonia and can be deadly if not treated with antibiotics.

More information on the disease can be found on the CDC’s website.

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