The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) has confirmed that two beavers in the Sherman area have tested positive for tularemia. This bacterial disease is associated with animals such as rodents and rabbits and can be transmitted to humans through tick and deer fly bites, direct contact with infected animals, or contaminated water or food. Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
Cases of tularemia in animals are rarely detected in Western New York, with the last confirmed case being a beaver identified in Cattaraugus County in 2004.
Jessica Wuerstle, Director of Environmental Health at CCHD, advised: “People can protect themselves from tularemia the same way they protect themselves from other diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile Virus infection, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and rabies. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent to avoid tick and insect bites. Avoid interacting with wildlife, especially animals that appear sick or injured.”
CCHD recommends several preventive measures for residents:
– Wear protective clothing like pants, long sleeves, and high socks.
– Use an EPA-registered insect repellent during outdoor activities.
– Avoid contact with wildlife, particularly rodents and rabbits.
– Do not feed or entice rodents or rabbits into your yard.
– Eliminate piles of lumber, trash, and weeds that attract wildlife.
– Avoid touching sick or dead animals; use a shovel or thick gloves if necessary.
– Do not mow over dead animals or known rabbit nesting sites.
– Refrain from drinking untreated surface water from lakes, ponds, or rivers.
– Cook all meat thoroughly before consumption, especially wild game meat.
– Keep pets on a leash where contact with wildlife is possible.
– Consult a veterinarian if concerned about pet health.
For concerns regarding injured or dead wildlife, individuals should refer to guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) by contacting their Region 9 office at 716-851-7010 or 716-372-0645. More information is available on their website.
Further resources include:
Tularemia: https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/about/index.html
Lyme Disease: https://chautauquacountyny.gov/environmental-health/lyme-disease
Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/
The Chautauqua County Health Department remains committed to supporting community health through innovative approaches and technical assistance to partner organizations.
