Tularemia found in rabbits in NM

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state Department of Health says rabbits in New Mexico are getting sick and dying from a bacterial disease, tularemia. That illness is potentially serious in people.

Tularemia is caused by a bacteria found in animals, especially rodents and rabbits. Symptoms in people are similar to those of plague - sudden fever, chills, headaches, diarrhea, muscles aches and joint pain. Other symptoms can include pneumonia, chest pain, ulcers on the skin or mouth, swollen and painful lymph glands, swollen and painful eyes and a sore throat.

Public health veterinarian Dr. Paul Ettestad urges people to follow the same precautions against tularemia as for plague. That includes not allowing pets to roam and hunt, using flea-control products on pets and not handling sick or dead rodents or rabbits.