Keep Pets On Leashes After Disease-Infected Rabbit Found: Village

TINLEY PARK, IL — Village officials have issued a warning concerning for Tinley Park residents and their pets after a wild rabbit tested positive for tularemia, which also is known as "rabbit fever." The animal was found Wednesday, June 13, in the 7500 block of West 161st Place, according to a statement by the village Monday.

Residents are warned to use a leash when their dogs and cats are outside and to keep their pets away from dead wildlife, the village said. Dead animals — not just rabbits, but skunks and bats, as well — should not be handled by residents, the village added.

“If you have been exposed to a dead rabbit or handled a dead rabbit, contact your doctor," Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Deputy Director Mark Rosenthal said.

RELATED: Tularemia Disease Found In Wild Rabbit In Tinley Park

The rabbit with tularemia found in Tinley Park underwent testing at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine diagnostic lab in Champaign. Anyone who finds dead rabbits on their property should call the Cook CountyDepartment of Animal Control at 708-974-6140.

Tularemia is a disease caused by Francisella tularensis and can infect animals and humans. The bacterium is found in some wildlife in northeast Illinois, and certain animals — particularly wild rabbits, muskrats and beavers – can be carriers without being affected by the bacterium.

The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal. But antibiotics can be effective if the person is treated early. Tick bites or exposure to an infected animal can spread tularemia to humans.

Symptoms of the disease in humans include fever, flu-like symptoms and rashes or red lesions. Symptoms in pets can include enlarged lymph nodes in the head and back, stomach pain, jaundice and lethargy, as well as fever.

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