A disease not seen in Utah for seven years is being blamed for the recent deaths of nine beavers in three counties across the state.
Between March 23 and April 10, the nine beavers were found in four locations across Summit, Wasatch and Utah counties, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources posted on its website.
Tests were performed on three animals by the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the Utah Public Health Lab.
The tests showed the presence of a disease called tularemia, which can also impact people.
The state is asking that anyone who sees dead beavers, rabbits or similar animals not touch the dead animals but report them to the state Division of Wildlife Resources.
The state said the last time the disease was in Utah, it killed a cottontail rabbit in 2017.
"The bacteria that causes this infection is known to be in the environment in many parts of Utah; however, it is unusual to see this many animals die from it at once," agency veterinarian Ginger Stout said.
“There is a concern about the possibility of tick-borne or fly-borne diseases, so it's advised to take the necessary precautions by wearing protective clothing, using appropriate insect repellent and checking for ticks after being in brushy areas," Stout said, according to USA Today.
