Tularemia Infection in Cats

Tularemia (Francisella tularensis) is a bacterial infection transmitted by many species of tick, and also by biting flies and mosquitoes. It is called "rabbit fever" because the tick sucks the blood of rabbits. There lies the problem as wandering domestic cats occasionally prey on rabbits. They contract the disease and they pass it on to people, on occasions, through a bite. People can also get the disease like a cat; direct from the tick.

Wandering tabby cat with catch - a rabbit

A number of diseases are caused by ticks. Another is lyme disease from the deer tick.

The internet reports cases of tularemia in cats in Nebraska, California an Kansas. It is quite possible that it occurs across the USA.

A recent case of a cat infected with tularemia was reported in San Diego, California. The health authorities are warning people to be vigilant and take precautions. Ticks can be picked up in long grass. Removal of ticks from cats has to done with care.