Red alarm level: Does the rabbit plague in Cologne spread?

Red alarm level: Does the rabbit plague in Cologne spread?

Zollstock, Köln, Deutschland - In Cologne, a worrying development is circulating: Local residents from Zollstock have discovered dead rabbits in the foothills and in the outer green belt. The city administration has already taken measures and removed the dead animals. The veterinary investigation office has thrown an eye on this situation because the city fears that the rabbit plague could be the cause of this mass rabbit death. Radio Köln reports that the rabbit plague can also be transferred to humans and dogs and can express itself in the form of easier flu symptoms.

The rabbit plague, also known as Tularemia, has the potential to appear in Germany. This is an infectious disease that is triggered by the bacterium francisella tularensis. Field bunnies and wild rabbits are mainly mentioned as carriers. In animals, the disease can cause serious symptoms, including swelling of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen enlargement, as well as a retired behavior. In the worst case, tularemia leads to sepsis within days, in about a third of the untreated animals, the infection ends fatally rabbit meadow.

Caution is required

The diagnosis of Tularemia is not entirely uncomplicated and is usually made after a known contact with wild animals or if the disease is suspected. Blood tests can help to determine increased liver values or other indicators. In the event of mild courses, the disease can usually be successfully treated with antibiotics, but caution is required. In the case of more difficult courses, quick medical measures are essential to avoid deterioration LGL Bayern.

For residents in Cologne, it is advisable to report dead rabbits immediately. The lower hunting authority has provided special contact information: The hotline can be reached at 0221/221-22137 and -25181, while an email can be sent to the lower hunting fishery Behare@stadt-koeln.de. With this information, the city would like to contain the spread of the possible infection and protect the health of the citizens.

general prevention measures

tularemia can last for weeks in the area, so residents should be particularly careful. Hygiene and the absence of contact with wild animals are crucial. It is recommended to guide dogs in affected areas on a leash and not to harvest plants or food 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 find out more in these matters and take protective measures seriously.

In this critical period, awareness of one's own health and that of animals is essential in order to get the potential effects of this infectious disease under control. Stay sensitized and report suspicious finds immediately to prevent another outbreak.