What disease has its reservoirs in rabbits, muskrats, and other wild animals, and can be transmitted through undercooked rabbit meat?

The disease that has its reservoirs in rabbits, muskrats, and other wild animals, which can be transmitted through undercooked rabbit meat, is tularemia. Tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and is often associated with contact with infected animals, particularly through skinning or consuming undercooked meat from these animals.

Rabbits and other small mammals are common reservoirs for this pathogen, and it can spread to humans through both direct contact with the animals and ingestion of contaminated meat. The presence of tularemia in wildlife serves as a critical aspect of its epidemiology and highlights the importance of proper cooking and handling practices to prevent transmission to humans.

Understanding this disease's transmission pathways is essential in the field of environmental health, where monitoring wildlife reservoirs and educating communities about safe food practices is vital in preventing outbreaks.