GUNNISON, Colo. (KREX) – A beaver found dead at Gunnison River Whitewater Park tested positive for tularemia, a zoonotic bacterial disease, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The carcass was examined by CPW’s Wildlife Pathologist and sent to Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of tularemia. This disease can infect humans and other animals, with species affected in Colorado including rabbits, hares, beavers and other rodents.
Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated properly. Infection is usually transmitted through ticks, biting flies and fleas. Wild carnivores and pets can become infected by eating infected carcasses, and any species can be infected through tick, fly and flea bites.
Hunters and trappers may be exposed to the bacteria when skinning carcasses, handling tissues or consuming tissues from an infected animal. Infection can also occur by ingesting contaminated food or water or by breathing aerosolized bacteria.
CPW advised the public to keep pets away from wildlife and to avoid handling sick or injured animals. If 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 asked the public to report sick or dead wildlife and remains interested in any additional beaver mortality observed along the Gunnison River.
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Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
