The illness, called tularemia, is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. People typically develop the illness from ...

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the Minnesota Department of Natural ...

The Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday it is tracking an increase in human cases of tularemia in 2025.

Tularemia is caused by bacteria spread through tick or deer fly bites, cat scratches and other contact with infected animals.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Board of Animal Health (BAH) and the Minnesota Department of Natural ...

Pets are usually exposed by hunting rodents, or through tick or fly bites. Only about seven animal tularemia cases are typically reported annually, according to MDH. In 2023, 21 cases were reported.

1. Cat scratch disease. The species Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease. The bacteria may be present on a cat or kitten’s claw or mouth and spread through a scratch, bite, or lick.

She said hypersensitive mosquito bites can cause an allergic reaction to cats if you notice a bite on their nose or ears are ulcerated. If you notice this, Dr. Takeuchi said to seek veterinary care.