Summit County, Utah – Wildlife officials are warning the public after the recent discovery of nine dead beavers across counties in Utah, including Summit and Wasatch counties. Three of the beavers tested positive for tularemia, a potentially infectious disease that poses a risk to humans. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) issued a health alert, urging caution and advising against touching any deceased beavers that are found.
The deceased beavers were found at various locations, including near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Midway, Jordanelle Dam, and the Birdseye area of Utah County. Tests conducted on some of the beavers confirmed the presence of tularemia, leading to concerns about potential public health risks associated with the disease.
DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout expressed concern over the situation, noting the unusual number of animals that have succumbed to the disease. Tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever or hare plague, is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted through various means, including tick or deerfly bites and direct contact with infected animals.
The disease poses significant risks to humans, with potential severe health consequences if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial, and residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas to mitigate the risk of exposure to tularemia.
It is essential for individuals to report any sightings of deceased animals to the DWR and to avoid close contact with them. The last instance of tularemia causing wildlife fatalities in Utah was in 2017, underscoring the importance of public awareness and vigilance in preventing the spread of the disease.
For more information on tularemia and preventive measures, residents can visit the Utah Department of Health & Human Services website. The discovery of tularemia-infected beavers highlights the need for increased awareness and caution among the public to minimize the risk of exposure to this infectious disease.