Hare's pest in Bavaria spreads avoid contact with infected animals

Evidence of hare plague in the Bavarian district of Cham
Many infectious diseases of wild animals can be transmitted to domestic and farm animals as well as to humans. This is also the case with the so-called rabbit plague, which has currently been detected in the Bavarian district of Cham. According to the Bavarian Radio (BR), the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) found in a field hares from the village Michelsdorf (Lkr. Cham) the causative agent of tularemia (hare plague).

While rabbits' plague in rodents and rabbits usually results in death after a relatively short time, infection is generally less critical for humans, but relatively life-threatening complications can also occur here. According to information from the "BR", the pathogens currently found belong to the genus "Francisella tularensis" and usually attack hares or wild rabbits. Although infections of humans and pets are relatively rare, they can not be excluded in direct contact with infected animals or their excretions. There is also the possibility to be infected by the inhalation of dust, the bite of blood-sucking insects or inadequately heated venison.

In the Bavarian district of Cham the pathogens of the rabbits' plague were detected in a hares. (Image: shocky / fotolia.com)

After a maximum of ten days, the symptoms show up
Affected animals show markedly altered behavior in rabbit plague, whereby the missing escape behavior and the apathetic overall impression in particular form striking features. Field hares or wild rabbits with corresponding symptoms should therefore not be touched, pets should be kept away from the carcasses and as soon as possible, the responsible hunter should be informed, reports the "BR", citing the District Office Cham. After an incubation period of a maximum of ten days, infected people show the first symptoms in an infection, which are initially relatively unspecific. Fever, swollen lymph nodes and the formation of ulcers are possible here consequences. If there is a suspicion of infection, immediate medical attention should be sought. Treatment with antibiotics is usually successful. (Fp)