Diseases Rabbits Can Carry: Rabies & Others
Tularemia gets the popular name rabbit fever from its link with these wildlife pests. Symptoms of the disease can include ulcers and stomach pain. Other common rabbit diseases include ringworm and Lyme disease. These come from parasites living in the pests’ fur.
How Do Rabbit Diseases Infect Humans?
The transmission of rabbit diseases to humans typically occurs in one of two ways. The most prevalent is through mites and ticks. These parasites feed on infected rabbits and then transmit bacteria to people via their bites.
Although less common, rabbit diseases also spread by direct contact. Cases of tularemia spike during hunting season because people are more likely to touch rabbits in this context. Living or dead, these animals can still transfer the disease to people and pets through their body fluids.
Prevention & Control
To prevent the spread of rabbit diseases to humans, homeowners can practice exclusion. Fences around yards or gardens help to keep rabbits away, though the pests may dig their way under some barriers. Scare tactics, such as bright lights and loud noises, vary in their success.
The best thing to do after spotting rabbits in the yard is to contact Critter Control. Our experts can trap and remove the pests, avoiding the risk of rabbit diseases.