A dead rabbit found in southwest Berthoud tested positive for Tularemia, prompting Larimer County health officials to urge residents and visitors to take summer outdoor precautions.
Tularemia — caused by Francisella tularensis — can reach humans through bites from infected animals or insects, direct contact with sick or dead wildlife, or contaminated soil, water and vegetation.
Larimer County said the disease is endemic locally and likely present beyond the Berthoud neighborhood; the county has recorded 7 human cases since 2020.
Officials advised using insect repellent, checking for ticks, avoiding wild rodents and rabbits, not touching dead animals, keeping pets leashed and away from wildlife, and avoiding untreated surface water.
Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, but untreated infections can cause fever, skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes, while inhaled bacteria can progress to pneumonia.