Tularemia in Hesse: Walkers have to protect themselves from rabbits!

Tularemia in Hesse: Walkers have to protect themselves from rabbits!

In Hesse, two cases of Tularemia, also known as the rabbit plague, were recently reported in the district of Gießen. The Hessian Ministry of Agriculture urges the population to keep away from wild rabbits, rabbits and rodents. This zoonose, which is transferable to humans, requires special caution, especially in view of the regional spread of the disease, which has already been determined in several other federal states such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg in recent months. The bacterium francisella tulenensis is caused and affected above all field hares, but also rabbits and other rodents.

The Ministry points out that direct contact with these animals should be avoided, especially if they show signs of illness. Symptoms in animals include strong absorbers, participation and an uncoordinated gait. Diseased rabbits can be less shy in dealing with people, which increases the risk of contact. Infection in humans can lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever as well as headache and body pain; Treatment is often carried out with antibiotics.

precautionary measures and further information

The attentive walkers are asked not to touch the dead or sick wild animals and instead to inform the responsible bodies instead. Hunters and forest workers who work in affected areas should exercise special caution when dealing with wild animals. Recommended security measures include wearing disposable gloves and, if necessary, a mask.

The data situation is alarming: A total of ten cases of Tularemia have been registered in Hesse since 2023, two cases occur in Gießen. Around 250 cases have been reported throughout Germany, with the distribution in various Hessian circles, including the city of Wiesbaden. The disease shows regional differences in its frequency. An endemic was observed in South Hesse and North Hesse.

The proof of the pathogen, francisella tulensis , takes place through various methods, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which provides results within one day. Further procedures for precise identification and treatment of the disease are crucial because the time in treatment is decisive.

summary of the current situation in Hesse

The endemic areas in Hesse show that combating tularemia is a challenge. Unfortunately, no vaccine is currently available for animals, so that preventive measures such as insect protection and avoiding contact with wild animals are of the greatest importance. The situation remains tense and requires constant vigilance on the part of the population and the authorities.

For further information on the tularemia and for precautionary measures, visit the pages of hessen.de , lhl hessen and Friedrich-Loeffler-institut .