Pueblo authorities say a wild rabbit in Pueblo West has tested positive for Tularemia.
The rabbit was found in the Liberty Point neighborhood on mountainside drive. The Health Department says the bacteria that cause Tularemia may be present in mammals – especially rabbits, rodents and hares. So far, no human cases have been reported.
The infection, also known as “Rabbit Fever” is most commonly transmitted to humans by the handling of sick or dead infected animals. Hunters who skin animals without gloves and are exposed to infected blood through an open wound are also at risk. Human symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest pain and coughing. The Health Department says pets can catch Tularemia — but it's easily treated if diagnosed early.
