tularemia prevention – Colorado health officials confirmed tularemia in a dead rabbit in Larimer County on June 9 and warned the bacteria is likely present beyond that site as summer outdoor activity ramps up. Health guidance focuses on avoiding insect bites, limiting contact with w
A dead rabbit in Larimer County set off a warning that now travels quickly through the summer plans of Colorado families: health officials confirmed tularemia on June 9 and warned it is likely present elsewhere.
Tularemia is often associated with rabbits and ticks. While human infections remain rare, the arrival of peak outdoor season increases the odds that people and pets will come into contact with the environments where the bacteria can spread.
“Because tularemia is present in Larimer County. it’s important to take steps to avoid infection. ” Paul Mayer. the Larimer County health department’s medical officer. said. He urged residents to take practical precautions: use effective insect repellent. check skin for ticks after being outdoors. and keep children and pets away from wild animals. including rabbits and squirrels.
Tularemia is caused by bacteria often found in rabbits and rodents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can reach humans through contact with infected animal tissue. It can also spread through inhaling contaminated dust or drinking contaminated water.
Officials also note that tularemia can be transmitted through ticks and deer flies—two common sources of irritation during warm-weather time outdoors. The illness is uncommon in people. but that rarity doesn’t mean it’s harmless. particularly when summer brings more time in yards. fields. and garden beds.
The way the disease moves—through bites, animal contact, and environmental exposure—means prevention is about habits, not panic. Colorado health officials laid out steps aimed at reducing risk across everyday activities.
Wear gloves while gardening and wash your hands before eating or touching your face. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent effective against ticks and biting flies, including DEET or picaridin. When mowing, using a leaf blower, or digging in soil, wear a dust mask. Wear shoes outdoors, especially in areas where dead animals may have been. And if dead rabbits or rodents are found on your property, use protective gloves to remove them.
Even with the guidance, the public may be left with a natural question: how often does tularemia actually strike humans?
CDC data shows it is a relatively rare disease in humans. In 2023, 196 cases were reported across the United States. But in the mid-20th century, the numbers were very different—cases in the United States hovered around 1,000 per year.
That contrast helps explain why the notice in Colorado matters. The case count may be low. but the conditions that can transmit tularemia—ticks. wild animals. and contaminated dust—are active each summer. With Larimer County now confirming the presence of tularemia in a dead rabbit. health officials are pushing residents to treat outdoor routines as the front line: repel. inspect. avoid contact with wildlife. and protect against dust during yard work.
tularemia Larimer County Colorado dead rabbit tick bites deer flies insect repellent DEET picaridin CDC tularemia prevention