The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Agriculture and the state Department of Health said a cottontail rabbit from Rhode Island's Patience Island tested positive from a highly contagious bacteria called tularemia.
Patience Island, off the coast of Prudence Island in Portsmouth, is home to a New England cottontail rabbit population, which is a candidate for federal endangered species protection. Rabbits from Patience Island have been used to store rabbits all over their historic range, from Maine to New York.
Ecori.org said workers from DEM capture rabbits every year as part of this large-scale regional initiative to bolster declining populations. Both rabbits caught on Patience Island are tested for general health.
The Newport Daily News said experts captured a male New England cottontail on Patience Island on January 27 as part of a restoration project. While being prepared for release, this rabbit died on February 3. DEM said experts necropsied the rabbit on February 4 and got a positive tularemia result on March 3.
What is Tulameria?
Tularemia, according to Mayo Clinic, is a highly contagious bacteria that affect humans, pets, and a wide range of wildlife species - including rabbits and squirrels.
Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is transmitted by biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, as well as direct contact with infected animals. Tularemia can also be transmitted by inhaling or ingesting bacteria spores, and an infection can be caused by as little as 10 to 50 particles.
Tularemia is most often transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, Colorado State University said. Handling dead infected animals poses the greatest risk, particularly if people are skinning or eating them.
Other routes include inhaling dust from mowing or moving polluted hay, grass, grain, or soil, as well as exposure to contaminated food, water, or soil by chewing, drinking, or direct contact with breaks in the skin, and inhaling dust from mowing or moving contaminated hay, grass, grain, or soil.
Fever, skin ulcers, and lymph node enlargement are some of the symptoms. Tularemia is a treatable infection, but it can be lethal to humans, livestock, and wildlife if not treated.
ALSO READ : Anti-Terrorism Expert Warns Everyone to Never Swim in a Las Vegas Pool: What Does Science Say?
How to Avoid Tulameria?
Taking basic safety precautions is an essential part of prevention. Bacteria flourish in filthy environments. Hunters who neglected to follow safe cleaning practices and infected their belongings have caused outbreaks of this disease.
Healthline shares the following steps while cleaning animals safely when hunting to prevent tularemia:
- Any animal that appears to be ill should not be skinned or dressed (the organs removed);
- When handling any animal, use gloves and goggles;
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling an animal;
- Completely cook the meat.
Here are some suggestions for lowering your overall tularemia risk:
- Wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors to avoid tick bites;
- Keep the remains of the animal away from food and water;
- Avoid drinking water from lakes and rivers;
- Protect your outdoor pets from the disease with the help of flea and tick medications;
- Use insect repellents.
Tularemia is quickly transmitted through the air. If you believe you have tularemia, you should see your doctor right away.
Check out more news and information on Animals on Science Times.
