Disease killing beavers in Utah can also be contracted by humans, officials warn

Utah state wildlife officers have announced that a disease responsible for the recent beaver deaths in the northern part of the US state could affect humans.

Since March 23, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has found nine beavers dead in Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties.The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter staff discovered the initial five deceased beavers between March 23 and April 2. The beavers lived together in a lodge at the preserve and were all found in the same area.

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Tests on three revealed that they had tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, hare plague and deer fly fever. Bacteria transmitted by tick and deer fly bites can cause the disease. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected animal's blood or tissue, drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from an infected animal.

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Tularemia is not only a threat to beavers, rabbits and rodents. The disease can also reach humans, usually via bug bite. The DWR reported, "The disease can be life-threatening for people if not treated quickly." However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most infections are treatable with antibiotics.

“The bacteria that causes this infection is known to be in the environment in many parts of Utah; however, it is unusual to see this many animals die from it at once,” DWR veterinarian Ginger Stout said in the release.

“There is a concern about the possibility of tick-borne or fly-borne diseases, so it’s advised to take the necessary precautions by wearing protective clothing, using appropriate insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas,” Stout added.Individuals who come across deceased rabbits, beavers, or other rodents should avoid the carcasses and report them to the nearest DWR office, according to officials.

The symptoms of tularemia might vary from person to person. They may include ulcers on the skin where the bite occurred, swollen glands in the armpit, groin coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Before this, the most recent wildlife death from tularemia was confirmed when a rabbit died in 2017.

To keep yourself safe, wear a bug repellant, long sleeves and pants to avoid bites, and check for ticks after visiting bushy areas, DWR officers advised.

(With inputs from agencies)