The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday that a dead rabbit found in Berthoud tested positive for tularemia [1].

This discovery serves as a public health warning because the bacteria, also known as rabbit fever, can jump from wildlife to humans. Residents in northern Colorado may be at risk if they encounter infected animals or certain insects common to the region.

The rabbit was discovered in a southwest neighborhood of Berthoud [1]. Health officials said tularemia is transmitted to humans through several pathways, including the bites of ticks or deer flies [2]. Direct contact with infected animals also poses a significant risk of transmission [3].

Health officials issued the warning on June 9, 2026 [1]. While the bacteria are present in the local environment, the department said it encourages the public to avoid handling dead wildlife to prevent infection [3].

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to people. In the U.S., it is often associated with the handling of infected carcasses or exposure to contaminated water and soil. Because the bacteria can enter the body through small cuts in the skin or through inhalation, caution is advised when spending time outdoors in affected areas [2].

Larimer County officials said they continue to monitor the situation in the southwest Berthoud area to determine if further risks exist for the local population [1].

“a dead rabbit found in Berthoud tested positive for tularemia”

The detection of tularemia in a residential area highlights the ongoing risk of zoonotic diseases in Northern Colorado. Because the bacteria are transmitted via common vectors like ticks and deer flies, this incident underscores the necessity of using protective barriers and avoiding wildlife contact during peak insect seasons to prevent public health outbreaks.