What is the specific bacterial disease known as 'rabbit fever' caused by Francisella tularensis?

Tularemia

Tularemia is identified as the most serious infectious risk linked to consuming wild rabbit meat, frequently referred to by the colloquial name 'rabbit fever.' This highly infectious bacterial disease is specifically caused by the microorganism *Francisella tularensis*. The danger associated with Tularemia is multifaceted, as infection is not limited solely to ingestion of undercooked meat; transmission can also occur through direct handling of an infected animal's carcass, especially if the handler has pre-existing skin lesions such as cuts or abrasions. Symptoms arising from exposure can manifest in various ways depending on the route of entry, potentially leading to skin ulcers or progressing to more severe conditions like pneumonia.