The Neumarkt i.d.OPf. Veterinary Office has reported a confirmed case of tularemia (hare plague) in a brown hare found dead near Wirbertshofen. Jägerverein Berching-Dietfurt asks hunters and the public to remain particularly vigilant.
According to Dr Sonja Forster, head of the Neumarkt i.d.OPf. Veterinary Office, the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) confirmed a tularemia infection in a brown hare found dead in the Wirbertshofen area.
What is tularemia?
Tularemia, also known as hare plague, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. It particularly affects brown hares and other wild rodents.
The disease is a zoonosis and can therefore be transmitted to humans. Infection is possible through direct contact with infected animals, damaged skin, inhalation of contaminated dust particles or tick bites. People who regularly come into contact with wildlife, particularly hunters, are especially at risk.
Important precautions
- Do not touch brown hares found dead or visibly ill with bare hands.
- Report unusual or dead brown hares to the person responsible for hunting in the area or to the Veterinary Office.
- If handling is unavoidable, wear suitable disposable gloves and, where possible, a face covering; avoid direct contact.
- Do not dress or use unusual game. Agree the next steps with the Veterinary Office.
- Keep hunting dogs away from ill or dead brown hares wherever possible.
- After possible contact, watch for symptoms such as fever, fatigue, skin changes or swollen lymph nodes.
Anyone developing these symptoms after possible contact should seek medical advice without delay and mention the possible exposure to tularemia.
Association calls for increased vigilance
The confirmed detection shows that hare plague also occurs in our region. However, a single positive finding does not show how widely the disease is distributed.
The association therefore asks all hunting area holders and authorised hunters, particularly around Wirbertshofen, to remain vigilant and report unusual findings.
Please take the risk seriously and also inform your fellow hunters.
Source: notification from Dr Sonja Forster, head of the Neumarkt i.d.OPf. Veterinary Office; tularemia confirmed by the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL).