Summit County, Utah – Recent weeks have seen an alarming trend of deceased beavers being discovered across various counties in Utah, including Summit and Wasatch counties. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has issued a health alert after nine dead beavers were found, with three testing positive for tularemia, a potentially infectious disease that can also be transmitted to humans.
The deceased beavers were located at different sites, with some near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, Midway, and the Jordanelle Dam. These findings have raised concerns among wildlife officials, prompting a call for public vigilance in reporting any sightings of dead beavers and avoiding direct contact with them due to the risk of tularemia transmission.
Tests conducted on the beavers confirmed the presence of tularemia, shedding light on the severity of the situation. DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout expressed concern over the unusual number of animals succumbing to the disease in a short period. Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, poses significant health risks to both animals and humans, emphasizing the need for caution and preventive measures.
The bacterial disease can be transmitted through various means, such as tick or deerfly bites, direct contact with infected animals, or consumption of contaminated water or undercooked meat. Early detection and treatment are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with tularemia, underscoring the importance of taking necessary precautions when outdoors in areas where the disease may be prevalent.
Residents are urged to steer clear of dead animals and report any sightings to the DWR to prevent further spread of the disease. The recent incidents mark a concerning trend, reminiscent of a previous outbreak in 2017 involving a cottontail rabbit in the Kanab area. For more information on tularemia and ways to protect oneself, individuals can access resources provided by the Utah Department of Health & Human Services.