Gunnison, Colorado (Crix) – A beaver found dead at Gunnison River Whitewater Park has tested positive for tularemia, a zoonotic bacterial disease, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The carcass was examined by a CPW wildlife pathologist and sent to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of tularemia. This disease can infect humans and other animals, and species affected in Colorado include rabbits, hares, beavers and other rodents.
Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis and can be fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated. The infection is usually transmitted by ticks, biting flies and fleas. Carnivores and wild pets can become infected by eating infected carcasses, and any species can be infected by tick, midge, and flea bites.
Hunters and trappers may be exposed to the bacteria when skinning infected animal carcasses, handling tissue, or eating tissue from an infected animal. Infection can also occur by ingesting contaminated food or water or by inhaling aerosolized bacteria.
CPW advised the public to keep pets away from wildlife and avoid handling sick or injured animals. If they have been exposed to wildlife that has tested positive for tularemia, individuals should contact Gunnison County Health and Human Services at 970-641-3244.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has asked the public to report sick or dead wildlife and remains concerned about any additional beaver deaths observed along the Gunnison River.
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