Physicians confirm the first case of hare plague in Aalen

Especially dog ​​owners should inform themselves about the rabbit's plague in order to protect their animal

In Germany there was apparently a new case of the so-called Hasepest. In the vicinity of Aalen-Wasseralfingen a field hare was found dead, which was apparently infected with the causative agent of the dangerous hare's pest (tularemia). In surrounding counties, cases of tularemia were detected as early as 2016.

The experts of the Veterinary and Food Surveillance Division of the district office informed the public about a case of rabbit sickness in Aalen-Wasseralfingen. Of the pathogen is above all a danger to hares and rodents. But also other wild animals and pets can become infected with the rabbit's plague. The researchers warned in a press release about the danger of the causative agent of the rabbit's plague.

Field hares can carry the causative agent of the so-called rabbit plague. In Aalen-Wasseralfingen, the pathogen of hare's plague was now detected in a dead hare. (Image: shocky / fotolia.com)

What is the hare plague?

The so-called tularemia, which is colloquially referred to as the hare's plague, is a disease in free-living rodents and rabbit-like animals. The disease often ends in death in the affected animals. It is even possible that humans become infected with the virus. In Germany, hare plague is a notifiable animal disease. Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by pathogens called Francisella tularensis. Transmission of the disease is by direct contact with infected animals. When people become infected with the rabbit flu, this can lead to serious illnesses. Hunters are particularly vulnerable if they break up, for example, killed animals.

Dead and behavioral rabbits should be reported to the responsible hunting lessee

For this reason, the veterinary business is asking hunters to pay more attention to tularemia. But also people who live in the region, should cautiously deal with dead hare. Dead rabbits and hares with a lack of flight behavior should not be touched, the experts warn. In case of a find, the responsible hunting lessee should be informed immediately. This will then ensure that the dead animals are fed to experts who can initiate an investigation.

Dog owners should take special care

The danger of dogs suffering from the so-called rabbit plague is lower than the risk of infection among rodents or rabbits. Nevertheless, dog owners should absolutely avoid that your four-legged friend comes in contact with a dead hare. Behavioral rabbits can pose a danger to dogs.

Dogs should always be leashed

The Veterinary Division advises dog owners in the region not to let their dogs run around in an uncontrolled manner. In addition, it is important that dogs are always leashed when walking when there is a risk of bumping into an infected animal. Leash protects the dogs from contact with dead infected animals and additionally prevents them from approaching a behavioral animal without escape behavior. So if you live in the affected gebgebiert and own a dog, you should leash your four-legged for his own protection. Rabbits without escape behavior should be avoided. It is best to contact the hunting leaser of the affected area immediately and report the behavioral problems. The same is true, of course, if you should find a dead rabbit. (As)