Red alert: Is the rabbit plague spreading in Cologne?

Red alert: Is the rabbit plague spreading in Cologne?

A worrying development is making the rounds in Cologne: residents of Zollstock have discovered dead rabbits in the foothills park and in the outer green belt. The city administration has already taken action and removed the dead animals. The veterinary investigation office has kept an eye on this situation because the city expresses fears that rabbit plague could be the cause of this mass rabbit death. Radio Köln reports that rabbit plague can also be transmitted to humans and dogs and can manifest itself in the form of mild flu symptoms.

Rabbit plague, also known as tularemia, has the potential to become an epidemic in Germany. This is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Brown hares and wild rabbits are mainly mentioned as carriers. In animals, the disease can cause serious symptoms, including swelling of the lymph nodes, enlarged liver and spleen, and withdrawn behavior. In the worst case, tularemia leads to sepsis within days; in around a third of untreated animals, the infection is fatal Kaninchenwiese.

Caution is advised

The diagnosis of tularemia is not entirely straightforward and usually occurs after known contact with wild animals or when the disease is suspected. Blood tests can help detect elevated liver values ​​or other indicators. In mild cases, the disease can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics, but caution is advised. In the case of more severe cases, rapid medical measures are essential in order to avoid deterioration LGL Bayern.

Residents in Cologne are advised to report dead rabbits immediately. The Lower Hunting Authority has provided specific contact information: The hotline can be reached at 0221/221-22137 and -25181, while an email can be sent to untere-jagd-fischereibehoerde@stadt-koeln.de. With this information, the city wants to contain the spread of the possible infection and protect the health of its citizens.

General prevention measures

Tularemia can persist in the area for weeks, so residents should be particularly careful. Hygiene and avoiding contact with wild animals are crucial. It is recommended that dogs be kept on a leash in affected areas and that no crops or food be harvested from affected zones. It is important to emphasize that there is no vaccination against tularemia in Germany, which is why prevention is particularly important. The population should inform themselves about these issues and take protective measures seriously.

At this critical time, awareness of your own health and that of your animals is essential in order to manage the potential effects of this infectious disease. Stay aware and report any suspicious findings immediately to prevent another outbreak.