Francisella tularensis is considered a potential bioterrorism agent which causes the disease tularemia.
Colo. beavers succumbing to fatal bacteria
Matt Clough 5/7/2010
Colorado Division of Wildlife officials say that several beavers have been found dead in San Miguel and Gilpin counties.
The culprit was an outbreak of a bacteria called tularemia, which can infect animals that spend a lot of time in water.
Five beavers have been found dead near Telluride, and three beaver carcasses were reported in Gilpin County.
Dr. Lisa Wolfe, a state wildlife veterinarian, says outbreaks of tularemia are common and pose little threat to humans.
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