Beaver Disease

Several diseases associated with beavers can spread to humans, pets, and livestock. Some of these diseases can be life-threatening. Use the proper safety measures when handling a beaver or when in water that beavers have dammed up.

Beavers can carry rabies, though it is uncommon amongst beaver populations. Rabid animals often act strangely and show less fear of humans. They will sometimes be aggressive towards anything they see, people and pets included. If bitten by a beaver, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies can be treated before symptoms set in. Once symptoms set in, rabies is nearly always fatal. Rabies can impact people, livestock, and pets.

Leptospirosis is a disease associated with rodents that can spread to humans. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira. The bacteria spread through urine and can contaminate water sources. Leptospirosis causes fever, headaches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. When contracted, Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics.

Giardia is an infection caused by a parasite that lives in water. It is one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States. Giardia causes stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually last for a couple of weeks, but may cause lingering stomach issues even after it has run their course.

Cryptosporidiosis, or "crypto infections," is caused by a microscopic parasite. It lives in water, food, and soil contaminated by infected animal feces. Cryptosporidiosis causes diarrhea, but some people who contract it have no symptoms.

Tularemia is a disease caused by a bacterium that can be spread through contact with an infected animal, drinking contaminated water, or tick and fly bites. It is particularly common in rodents and rabbits. Remember, beavers are rodents, so they fall within this group. The way tularemia infects a host determines what symptoms the host will have. It can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, irritated eyes, ulcers on the skin, swelling, cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Tularemia is generally treated using antibiotics, but it can sometimes be life- threatening.