Rise in Tularemia Infections in Minnesota Animals Sparks Health Warning

The Minnesota Department of Health issued a warning about the increase in tularemia infections in animals, urging pet owners to be cautious. With 21 cases identified in animals last year and seven already reported in 2024, heightened awareness and testing have led to more detections. Symptoms include high fever, swelling, and skin sores in animals. Tularemia is not transmissible between individuals, with human cases usually stemming from animal interactions like bites or scratches, or insect bites.