Raccoons and Skunks as Sentinels for Enzootic Tularemia

Abstract

We analyzed sera from diverse mammals of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, for evidence of Francisella tularensis exposure. Skunks and raccoons were frequently seroreactive, whereas white-footed mice, cottontail rabbits, deer, rats, and dogs were not. Tularemia surveillance may be facilitated by focusing on skunks and raccoons.

Keywords

• tularemia
• skunks
• raccoons
• seroreactivity
• microagglutination
• sentinels