The discovery of a dead brown hare in Grafenstein spreads widely. Because the animal died of the rabbit plague. The disease is not only dangerous for rodents, but the pathogens are also highly contagious to humans.
„The bacterium mainly affects wild hares, rabbits and rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels,” the state of Carinthia announced after the dead brown hare was found. To be precise, it’s about the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which causes the disease tularemia. But it’s not just rodents that are affected by the disease; People can also become infected with the pathogen.
A small wound is enough to become infected
Transmission to humans occurs through contact with an infected animal. “But tick bites and insect bites can also transmit the disease,” said the Agency for Health and Food Safety. Deputy State Governor Martin Gruber, responsible for animal diseases, therefore appeals to the population: “Especially in the affected area, I ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash during nature walks. Anyone who discovers a dead rabbit should contact their local hunter immediately.”
This is how the disease affects people
In humans, an ulcer usually develops at the point of contact, which is usually painless. Symptoms range from fever, headache, body aches and painful swelling of the regional lymph nodes. The disease is treated with antibiotics.
Source: Krone
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