The best way to prevent tularemia infection is to wear rubber gloves when handling or skinning rodents or lagomorphs ( as rabbits ) , avoid ingesting uncooked wild game and untreated water sources , and wearing long-sleeved clothes and using an insect repellent to prevent tick bites . The best way to prevent tularemia infection is to wear rubber gloves when handling or skinning lagomorphs ( such as rabbits ) , avoid ingesting uncooked wild game and untreated water sources , wear long-sleeved clothes , and use an insect repellent to prevent tick bites .