Tularemia is usually acquired from contact with infected animals or by ingestion of contaminated water, or through contact with infected soil, where the organism can remain in an infectious state for several months. This is a zoonotic disease. Infection is often caused by ingestion of infected tissue, such as when a dog hunts a small animal, bird or reptile, through water, or by tick, mite, flea or mosquito bite — all of which can carry and transmit the bacteria. The bacterium may also infect a dog through its skin, or by entering its airways, eyes or gastrointestinal system. Ticks are a very common cause of infection in dogs.
This infection has a higher seasonal incidence. May through August is usually a time of increased risk.
The common symptoms would include sudden onset of fever, lethargy, dehydration, lack of appetite, enlargement of the lymph nodes, tender abdomen, enlargement of spleen or liver, white patches or ulcers on the tongue, and jaundice.
