Tularemia (Francisella Tularensis) Symptoms and Treatments

Tularemia is an uncommon disease in cats caused by the bacteria, Francisella Tularensis. It occurs naturally in wild animals, especially rodents and rabbits. Cats usually acquire te disease from the bite of a blood-sucking tick or flea that has fed on an infected host. Direct contact with an infected wild animal or carcass is another route of infection.

Cats with tularemia exhibit weight loss, fever, apathy and depression, lymph node enlargement and signs of pneumonia. There may be an ulcerated skin sore at the sight of inoculation - insect bite.

Recommended Treatment:
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice. Tetrecycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and gentamicin are effective.

Infected cats can transmit the disease to human through bites or scratches or by contact with draining skin ulcers. Tularemia is an occupational hazard for those who handle rabbit meat and pelts. The elimination of fleas and other insect parasites reduce the likelihood of infection, as does a policy of preventing roaming and hunting. Wear rubber gloves and use strict hygienic precautions when handling cats with draining wounds.

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