Summit County, Utah – Wildlife officials in Summit County, Utah have raised concerns after discovering nine deceased beavers across multiple counties in the state, including Summit and Wasatch counties. Three of the beavers have tested positive for tularemia, an infectious disease that poses a risk to both animals and humans. The public has been urged to report any sightings of deceased beavers and to refrain from coming into contact with them.
The beavers were found at various locations, including the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Midway, near the Jordanelle Dam, and in the Birdseye area of Utah County. Tests conducted on some of the beavers confirmed the presence of tularemia, a bacterial disease that can be transmitted through tick or deerfly bites, contact with infected animals, or ingestion of contaminated water or undercooked meat from infected animals.
Dr. Ginger Stout, a veterinarian with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, expressed concern about the situation, noting that while the bacteria responsible for tularemia is present in many parts of Utah, it is unusual to see multiple animals succumb to it at once. Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, poses significant risks to human health and can lead to severe issues if not promptly treated.
Stout emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, advising residents to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas. Additionally, residents are encouraged to avoid contact with dead animals and report any sightings to the DWR to prevent further spread of the disease.
The last known instance of tularemia causing wildlife fatalities in Utah occurred in 2017, involving a cottontail rabbit in the Kanab area. For more information on tularemia and preventive measures, individuals can refer to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services website.
The discovery of tularemia-infected beavers in Utah highlights the importance of wildlife disease monitoring and public awareness of potential health risks associated with interacting with wildlife. Wildlife officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak and work towards preventing further spread of the disease.