Hare plague discovered in hares in the district of Forchheim
A hare that died in the district of Forchheim in Upper Franconia has been diagnosed with hare plague. The bacterial disease is transmissible to humans, the Forchheim district office announced on Wednesday. The disease can lead to severe, flu-like symptoms in humans.
Transmission could occur through direct contact with sick or dead animals. This would be the case, for example, when skinning and gutting hunted game. The district office advises people not to touch dead or diseased hares or wild rabbits and to avoid contact with the blood or excrement of such animals.
Anyone wishing to eat wild hares or rabbits should make sure that the meat is well cooked. Knives or cutting boards used during preparation should be cleaned with hot water and disinfected. Hunters suffering from unclear illnesses are advised to consult a doctor.
In Upper France, specifically in the district of Forchheim, various animals, such as hares, could potentially be carriers of diseases like hare plague. To minimize the risk of contracting this bacterial disease, humans should avoid touching dead or diseased hares or rabbits, as well as their blood and excrement.
Source: www.dpa.com
