State Wildlife Office issues dire warning after nine dead beavers found in multiple provinces

A disease that has not been seen in Utah for seven years has been blamed for the recent deaths of nine beavers in three counties across the state.

Between March 23 and April 10, the nine beavers were found at four locations in Summit, Wasatch and Utah counties, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources posted on its website.

Testing was performed on three animals by the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the Utah Public Health Lab.

The tests showed the presence of a disease called tularemia, which can also affect humans.

The state is asking anyone who sees dead beavers, rabbits or similar animals not to touch the dead animals but to report them to the state Division of Wildlife Resources.

The state said the last time the disease occurred in Utah, a cottontail rabbit was killed in 2017.

“The bacteria causing this infection are known to be present in the environment in many parts of Utah; However, it is unusual to see so many animals die at once,” says veterinarian Ginger Stout.

“There are concerns about the potential for tick- or fly-borne diseases, so it is advised to take necessary precautions by wearing protective clothing, using appropriate insect repellents and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas,” said Naughty. to USA Today.

Tularemia, also called rabbit fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Symptoms may include fever, skin ulcers and enlarged lymph nodes. Occasionally a form can occur that results in pneumonia or a throat infection.
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According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabbits, hares and similar animals are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

The CDC said the main ways people become infected are through tick and deer fly bites, touching infected animals, drinking contaminated water, inhaling contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and exposure in a laboratory.

The CDC noted that one person contracted the disease after being bitten by a hamster.

Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources also noted that the disease can be transmitted by eating undercooked rabbit meat.

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Prevention measures suggested by the CDC include using insect repellent, wearing gloves when handling a dead animal and not mowing over dead animals.

The CDC said the disease is present in every state except Hawaii.

The disease can be treated with antibiotics, the CDC noted, adding that most people need between 10 and 21 days to recover.