Which animal is a common reservoir for tularemia?

Rabbits are a well-known reservoir for tularemia, a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This disease can affect various animal species, but rabbits, especially cottontail rabbits, are particularly notable because they can carry and transmit the bacteria without necessarily showing signs of illness themselves. Humans can become infected through direct contact with infected rabbits or through bites from infected insects, such as ticks or deer flies, that have interacted with these animals.

Understanding the role of rabbits as reservoirs helps in recognizing the risks associated with handling wildlife and the importance of preventive measures when engaging in outdoor activities. This highlights the need for awareness among hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and veterinarians regarding the potential transmission of tularemia when dealing with or coming into contact with rabbits. Other options like cats, dogs, and deer are not recognized as primary reservoirs for tularemia, which is why they do not align with the established knowledge on the disease's wildlife carriers.