Wild rabbits are generally not aggressive toward people, and the risk of the average person getting sick from one is relatively low. However, these animals carry pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, making caution necessary when encountering them. The primary dangers are associated with disease transmission, often requiring direct contact or the presence of external parasites.
Zoonotic Diseases Transmitted by Wild Rabbits
The most significant health risk from wild rabbits is the bacterial disease Tularemia, commonly known as “rabbit fever.” It is caused by the highly infectious bacterium Francisella tularensis. People most often contract Tularemia through direct contact with a sick or dead rabbit, such as during handling, or by being bitten by an infected tick or deer fly.
The bacteria can enter the body through a break in the skin, via inhalation, or by consuming undercooked meat from an infected animal. Symptoms typically appear within three to five days and include a sudden fever, chills, headaches, and swollen, painful lymph nodes. A skin ulcer may also appear at the site of entry.
Pasteurellosis is caused by Pasteurella multocida, which is naturally present in the upper respiratory tract of many rabbits. This bacterium is most commonly transmitted to humans through a bite or a scratch that breaks the skin. While a rabbit bite is rare, it can lead to a localized wound infection characterized by inflammation and occasional abscess formation. In rare cases, the bacteria can spread to cause more serious systemic infections.
Physical Risks from Direct Contact and External Parasites
Physical contact with a wild rabbit presents two distinct risks: injury and exposure to external vectors. Any break in the skin carries the potential for bacterial infection, including Pasteurellosis. Although extremely rare, any wild mammal bite carries a theoretical risk of Rabies, though rabbits are not considered primary carriers of the virus.
A more realistic danger comes from the external parasites wild rabbits carry, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can easily jump onto a human or a pet that comes into close proximity. Fleas and ticks that have fed on a rabbit can act as a bridge to transmit pathogens to humans. Ticks found on rabbits are known vectors for diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. Additionally, mites like Cheyletiella are common on rabbits and can cause a temporary, itchy dermatitis in humans who handle an infested animal.
Safe Avoidance and Mitigation Strategies
Never handle a wild rabbit, especially one that appears lethargic, disoriented, or sick, as these are signs of possible Tularemia infection. If a rabbit bite or scratch occurs, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes. Seek medical attention to determine if a tetanus shot or other treatment is necessary, particularly with a puncture wound from a wild animal.
To protect pets, ensure they are current on all flea and tick preventatives and monitor them for any signs of interaction with wild rabbits. Discouraging rabbits from establishing burrows or nests near the home by removing brush piles and debris can reduce the chance of close contact. Good hygiene practices, such as thoroughly washing hands after working in areas where rabbit droppings are present, should always be followed.