“Rising Tularemia Cases in Minnesota: Concerns for Animals and Humans”
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) have observed a rise in tularemia cases among animals in Minnesota, particularly cats in the Twin Cities metro area.
Minnesota
Officials caution that tularemia can also infect humans, typically through contact with sick animals.
Normally, Minnesota sees about seven animal tularemia cases annually. However, 2023 saw 21 cases, and already in 2024, seven cases have been reported. Veterinarians note that animals not tested also display symptoms consistent with tularemia.
Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is naturally occurring in U.S. wildlife, particularly in rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents.
Pets, primarily cats, are often exposed to tularemia by hunting these animals or through bites from ticks or flies. Cats are especially susceptible, exhibiting symptoms such as fever, weakness, appetite loss, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Maria Bye, senior epidemiologist at MDH’s Zoonotic Diseases Unit, attributes the increase in animal cases partly to improved recognition and testing by veterinarians. She stresses the severity of tularemia in cats, which can lead to rapid decline and high fever, emphasizing the importance for pet owners to stay vigilant.
In Minnesota, there are typically fewer than six human tularemia cases yearly, commonly contracted through tick or fly bites, scratches, or contact with infected animals. The disease does not spread person-to-person.
Symptoms in humans include sudden fever onset, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, chills, joint pain, muscle pain, and nausea. Symptoms typically appear 3-14 days after exposure.
In May 2024, a Ramsey County resident contracted tularemia from a stray cat bite, while in June, a Hennepin County resident became infected after mowing over a dead animal.
To protect against tularemia:
- Keep cats indoors and prevent them from hunting small animals.
- Administer tick prevention medication to pets.
- Use insect repellent to avoid tick and fly bites.
- Minimize contact with wild animals and wear gloves when handling them.
- If pets exhibit tularemia symptoms after outdoor exposure, seek veterinary evaluation promptly.
Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal showing these symptoms should contact MDH at 651-201-5414 and consult a healthcare provider.
