Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine

A squirrel, a mysterious illness, and scientists who wouldn’t give up

Lorely Miller said she owes her life to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University. “I do not believe that I would still be alive today.” 

Miller contracted tularemia, an extremely dangerous, highly contagious bacterial disease. People usually get tularemia from other animals. In her case, from a squirrel.