Francisella tularensis infection in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management

Overview: Disease in cats after infection with the zoonotic bacterium Francisella tularensis has been reported only from North America; rodents and lagomorphs are the more susceptible hosts. Tularaemia is transmitted by ticks, but also acquired by direct contact, bite, scratch, ingestion or inhalation. Clinical signs range from mild chronic localised infections to fatal acute disease; antibiotic therapy is efficient. Acquiring the infection from cats is a risk for owners of outdoor cats, veterinarians and technicians.