A dead rabbit found in a southwest Berthoud neighborhood tested positive for tularemia on June 9, 2026 [1].
The discovery is significant because tularemia, often called rabbit fever, is a bacterial disease that can spread from wildlife to humans. While rare, the infection can be serious if not treated, making public awareness essential for those living near affected areas.
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment identified the positive case in northern Colorado [1]. The rabbit was discovered in a residential area of Berthoud, prompting health officials to issue warnings about potential exposure [1], [2].
Tularemia is transmitted to humans through several pathways. People can contract the bacteria through the bites of infected ticks or deer flies [3], [4]. Additionally, direct contact with infected animals, such as skinning or handling a dead rabbit, can allow the bacteria to enter the body through cuts or abrasions in the skin [3], [4].
Health officials advise residents to avoid touching dead or sick wildlife. If a person must move a carcass, they are encouraged to use gloves and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately afterward. Because the bacteria can be hardy in the environment, avoiding contact with wildlife in the southwest Berthoud area is the primary recommendation for preventing human infection [1], [2].
Larimer County officials continue to monitor the situation to determine if other animals in the region are affected. The department said the risk to the general public remains low as long as safety precautions are followed when interacting with nature [1].
“A dead rabbit found in a southwest Berthoud neighborhood tested positive for tularemia.”
The detection of tularemia in a residential area highlights the intersection of wildlife disease and public health in suburban Colorado. Because the bacteria can be transmitted via common insects like ticks, this case serves as a reminder that zoonotic diseases are not limited to deep wilderness areas, requiring residents to maintain strict hygiene and protective barriers when handling wildlife.
