A second case of tularaemia has been confirmed in Luxembourg by the Ministry of Agriculture, raising concerns after the infected hare was discovered near Wellenstein.
The dead animal, found a few days ago along a country road, was taken to the Veterinary and Food Laboratory (LVA) on Monday for testing. The ministry on Wednesday confirmed that the animal was tested positive for the disease.
This marks the second case after a hare in Junglinster was tested positive for the tularaemia pathogen on 3 April.
The pathogen is primarily found in wild animals but can be transmitted to humans. Hares are particularly susceptible, which is why the disease is also known as hare plague.
The symptoms in humans are complex and depend on how the pathogen enters the body. After a few days, flu-like symptoms may appear, including high fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and body aches, diarrhoea or vomiting. In the case of infection through small skin wounds, slow-healing ulcers may develop.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals or their carcasses. Preparing and consuming undercooked meat containing the pathogen also carries a risk of infection.
The disease can also be transmitted through drinking contaminated water, inhaling contaminated dust, or through bites or stings from infected blood-sucking insects or ticks.
In animals, the disease can range from a mild form to an outbreak with high mortality. In hares, the disease is typically acute and results in death within a few days. Common symptoms include shaggy fur, unsteady movement, apathy and a loss of natural fear. In chronic cases, the main symptoms include weakness, severe emaciation and skin lesions.
Preventing infection
To prevent infection, unprotected contact with wild animals or their carcasses should be avoided. Disposable gloves and a respirator mask (FFP2/FFP3) should be worn when handling them. Hare and rabbit meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption, as heat reliably kills the pathogen.
Since pets such as dogs and cats can also contract the disease and potentially transmit it to humans, they should be kept away from hares and wild rabbits. Materials that have come into contact with potentially infected animals should be cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of transmission.
How can domestic rabbits be protected preventively?
Vaccination is not yet available: There is no vaccination against tularaemia – precautionary measures are all the more important.
No contact with wild animals: Double-proof outdoor enclosures to prevent contact with wild rabbits or hares.
Insect protection: Fit fly screens and use spot-on preparations against ticks and insects if necessary. (More about this here.)
Feed hygiene: Do not feed meadow grass, hay or straw from tularaemia risk areas.
Anyone who finds a sick hare should contact the wild animal shelter in Dudelange. Dead hares can be taken to the LVA for testing. The laboratory should be called on 24 78 25 44.
(This article was first published by Luxemburger Wort. Translation, editing and adaptation by Lucrezia Reale.)