(Portsmouth, RI) -- The public is being notified about an animal testing positive for a highly-contagious bacterial disease in the Ocean State. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reported the case of tularemia in a New England cottontail rabbit from Patience Island earlier this month. Tularemia is said to be rare, but left untreated it can be fatal. The DEM is warning anyone who goes to Patience Island to avoid being bitten by insects or having any contact with wildlife.
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