Tularemia cases rising in Minnesotans and their companion animals, especially cats

Health officials track increase in Tularemia cases

Minnesota residents are being urged to be cautious of an increase in Tularemia cases.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are tracking the cases, noticing an increase in cases, especially in cats.

Tularemia is a potentially serious illness of animals and people that is caused by a bacterium found in wildlife, particularly rabbits, squirrels, beavers, muskrats and other rodents.

Pets are often exposed to the bacterium when they are hunting these animals, but animals can also be exposed through ticks or fly bites. Cats are especially at risk if they spend time outdoors.

“We confirm a few cases of tularemia in Minnesota wildlife nearly every year,” said Dr. Mary Wood, DNR wildlife veterinarian. “Tularemia is one of several diseases that can be shared between wildlife, pets and people. Limiting direct contact with wild animals is an important step to protect yourself, your pets, and Minnesota’s wildlife.”

Signs of tularemia in pets include high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, skin or mouth ulcers and swollen lymph nodes.

People most commonly develop tularemia from tick and fly bites, bites and scratches from infected pet cats, or by touching animals who are infected with the disease. Tularemia is not spread from person to person.

Five human cases of tularemia have been identified in 2025 so far, the Department of Health said, with cases normally numbering six a year.

All forms of tularemia in humans are accompanied by a sudden onset of fever. Other signs and symptoms can include skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, chills, joint and muscle pain and nausea. Symptoms in people generally appear three to five days after exposure but may occur as soon as the next day or up to two weeks after.  

To keep people and pets safe from tularemia, the Department of Health recommends the following steps:

Keep cats indoors and do not allow pets to hunt small animals.  

Give pets medication to help prevent tick bites.

Use insect repellent to stop ticks and flies from biting.

Avoid contact with wild animals that appear sick or dead.

Check your yard for rabbit nests or dead animals before mowing.

Anyone bitten or scratched by an ill animal should call MDH at 651-201-5414, as well as their healthcare professional, to discuss next steps.
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