In Lower Saxony and Bremen, three people have already fallen ill with rabbit fever (tularemia) this year. Nationwide, a total of 33 cases were reported as of April 21, 2026. In the previous year, the number was 224 cases nationwide, six of them in the two federal states.

The zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis is mainly transmitted to humans by infected hares and rodents. Transmission from person to person is not known. Hunters, forest workers and dog owners are particularly at risk.

Typical symptoms
The disease usually begins flu-like with high fever, chills, severe headache and aching limbs as well as fatigue. Swollen and painful lymph nodes often occur. In the ulceroglandular form (most common variant), poorly healing skin ulcers develop at the point of entry. Gastrointestinal complaints, coughing or pneumonia are also possible. If left untreated, the infection can turn into severe sepsis.

Detection and blood count
The pathogen is mainly detected by PCR from blood samples, wound swabs, lymph node material or respiratory secretions. Serological examinations (antibody detection) serve as confirmation. The cultivation of the highly infectious bacterium in culture is possible, but requires special level 3 safety laboratories.

The blood count often shows leukocytosis with a left shift. The inflammation levels (CRP, ESR) are usually significantly elevated, but can also be only moderately pronounced. There is no specific change in the blood count – the diagnosis is always confirmed by direct or indirect pathogen detection.

If you have symptoms after contact with wild animals, especially hares, or insect bites, those affected should consult a doctor immediately. The disease can be treated well with antibiotics if it is detected early.

In 2025, the LAVES Wildlife Competence Centre in Lower Saxony detected the pathogen in 43 of 295 hares examined. Since the beginning of 2026, four more infected hares have already been detected in 23 examinations. The veterinary and health authorities advise increased caution.

Further information:

RKI – Tularemia (Rabbit Fever, Francisella tularensis) – Tularemia (Rabbit Fever, Francisella tularensis)

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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