tularaemia

a disease of rodents and rabbits, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, that is transmitted to humans by deer flies (see CHRYSOPS ), by direct contact with infected animals, by contamination of wounds, or by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms include an ulcer at the site of infection, inflamed and ulcerating lymph nodes, headache, aching pains, loss of weight, and a fever lasting several weeks. Treatment with chloramphenicol, streptomycin, or tetracycline is effective.