Catching up on Rabbit Fever: latest updates in Thuringia and beyond
Thuringia Suffers From Plague Outbreak too - Has the Black Death reached Thuringia?
Let's talk about tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, but first things first: no confirmed cases have surfaced in Thuringia this year, according to its health department. However, a suspicious incident is under investigation, with no trace of the bacterium found in the examined rabbit.
Historically speaking, tularemia has made appearances in Thuringia - in 2023, one-third of examined animals tested positive for the disease, while the same figure remained consistent in 2024.
A closer look reveals that neighboring states like Lower Saxony and Hesse have experienced a spike in tularemia cases, with the latter even spotted in some animals this year. Sure, it's worth noting that Lower Saxony's consumer protection and food safety authority mentioned an increase in cases since the start of this year.
Why you should care about tularemia? Simply because it's highly contagious, caused by Francisella tularensis, and it doesn't just affect wild rabbits, hares, and rodents. Various animal species, including our beloved pets, humans, and more, are at risk through direct contact. In other words, it's not just about the fluffy bunnies, folks.
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Tularemia can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms in humans, including but not limited to fever, vomiting, and slow-healing wounds. So, it's essential to take precautions, like ensuring you cook wild game meat thoroughly, using protective gloves when dealing with sick or dead wild animals, and staying bug-free with insect repellant, as ticks are carriers too. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
All in all, it's a good idea to stay informed and take precautions when handling wild animals or their remains. Check in with your local health department or scientific sources for any updates on tularemia cases in your area, especially if you're hearing whispers about it in your neighborhood!
- Thuringia
- BMG
- Lower Saxony
- Hesse
- Erfurt
The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the medical-conditions and health-and-wellness sector, specifically in field studies on tularemia, given the increase in cases in Lower Saxony and Hesse. Science can play a crucial role in investigating the causes of tularemia in wild animals, as well as developing effective strategies for its prevention and management, ensuring the safety and well-being of researchers and the general public.
