A disease is killing cats around Sioux Falls but can also be spread to humans. It's called Tularemia and it's similar to Lyme Disease in that it can be spread by ticks.

Sioux Falls Police first learned about the disease after getting reports of at least five dead cats in the Cactus Hills Mobile Home Park. That's in northeast Sioux Falls.

Lt. T.C. Olson with the Animal Control Division of the Sioux Falls Police Department says, "After receiving a couple of the calls, we became suspicious of what might be happening."

So they had some of the cats sent away for testing. They came back positive for Tularemia. It's also known as "Rabbit Fever" and can be spread by ticks.

To warn others, Sioux Falls Police and Animal Control Officers went door-to-door dropping off pamphlets about Tularemia in the mobile home park.  The Rye family calls Cactus Hills home and spends a lot of time outside in the summer. That includes the wooded area behind their home.

Mary Rye says, "My husband and I have 2 dogs, they're always out playing in the woods, the kids are out in the woods. I've pulled a couple of ticks off my middle son's head." She was surprised to hear about the Tularemia cases but is glad to hear police are being pro-active. Mary says, "I think it's a great idea because it also keeps kids safe and other animals safe."

The disease triggers flu-like symptoms in humans, and can be spread by touching an infected animal or through ticks. There are also signs you can look for in your cat. If they seem disoriented or lethargic, it's probably a good idea to get them to the Vet. As for the Rye family, they'll keep enjoying fun in the sun, but mary says she'll continue to check them for ticks when they come in.

Sioux Falls Police are quick to point out, this is not an epidemic, but they say it's a good idea to wear deet and long sleeves and pants if you're in wooded or grassy areas that ticks might inhabit.  If you have a cat, it's also best to keep them inside or out of tick-infested areas.  To find out more about Tularemia visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/tularemia.htm