Imported Leishmaniasis in Dogs, US Military Bases, Japan

Transmission of the bacterium occurs primarily through bites from arthropods, including the dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the wood tick (D. andersoni), the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), and the deer fl y (Chrysops spp.). In addition, contact with infected animals, most commonly rabbits, wild rodents, and cats, is another common route of transmission to humans (1,6). Tularemia occurs in various animal species. Lagomorphs, rodents, and sheep are most susceptible; infected animals are frequently found dead or moribund. Carnivores are less susceptible; however, feline tularemia occurs sporadically, and human infections associated with bites and scratches from infected cats have been recognized (7). In addition to arthropod bites, contact with infected dead rabbits or their tissues appears to be the most common source of human infection. A wide variety of case reports have been published describing unique incidences of rabbit–human transmission, including a lawn mower aerosolizing rabbit nests along with their occupants (8), consumption of undercooked rabbit meat (9), and contact with a “lucky” rabbit’s foot (10). The purpose of this report is to alert veterinarians, veterinary laboratory personnel, and public health offi cials that rabbit tularemia can be easily overlooked on gross examination in animals displaying lesions of hepatic coccidiosis, a common disease of the wild rabbit. Therefore, all rabbits submitted for postmortem examinations should be regarded as potentially infected with tularemia, particularly during seasons when vectors are active.