Heavy rabbit plague: Lower Saxony on alert!

In Lower Saxony, the highly contagious bacterial disease Tularemia, also known as the rabbit plague, was demonstrated. The bacterium Francisella Tularensis, which mainly occurs in field hares, can infect not only animals, but also to humans. The first confirmed case appeared on March 7 when a dead hare was found in the Gifhorn district. Since August 1, 2024, a total of nine evidence of the rabbit plague in various districts of Lower Saxony, including Osnabrück, Helmstedt and Peine, have been registered.

The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated meat or water, insect bites and inhaling dust -containing dust. In animals, symptoms from mild to difficult to vary and include, among other things, shameful fur, uncertain gait, apathy and skin changes. The hunter and dog owner are called for caution to avoid contact with infected animals.

symptoms and prevention measures

In 2024, a total of 214 infections with Tularemia were found in humans, while eight cases have been recorded in 2025. Symptoms in humans include flu-like symptoms, high fever, swollen lymph nodes as well as headache and body pain. In the event of suspicion of infection, those affected should immediately see a doctor and inform about the contact with wild animals.

In order to minimize the risk of infection, various protective measures are recommended. This includes avoiding direct contact with wild animals, the use of protective equipment such as disposable gloves and respiratory protection masks as well as the thorough preparation of rabbit and rabbit meat. In addition, dogs should be kept on a leash to avoid encounters with infected animals.

The disease is categorized as zoonose because it can be transferred to humans by animals. Information about this bacterial infectious disease can also be found on specialized platforms, where further details on the tularemia are provided, such as usz