Francisella tularensis Bacteria Associated with Feline Tularemia in the United States

Abstract

Tularemia in the United States was examined by reviewing 106 Francisella tularensis isolates, mostly from Nebraska, collected during 1998–2012: 48% of Nebraska cases were cat-associated; 7/8 human cases were caused by subtype A.I. A vaccine is needed to reduce feline-associated tularemia, and cat owners should protect against bites/scratches and limit their pet’s outdoor access.

Keywords

• feline-associated tularemia cases
• Francisella tularensis
• genotyping
• domestic cats
• Felis catus
• bacteria