Francisella tularensis
the etiologic agent of tularemia in humans; it is divided into several subspecies, all of which cause disease. Its natural reservoir is various wild animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and muskrats, and it is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or their products, by inhalation of aerosolized bacteria, or by being bitten by blood-sucking insect carriers.
Medical dictionary.
2011.