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Sep 6, 2018 - Foods

"Rabbit fever" - Infections through food unlikely

Francisella (F.) tularensis is a highly pathogenic, environmentally resistant bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia ("rabbit fever"). The disease primarily affects wildlife such as field hares. In hares, the disease is associated with high mortality. Humans can also contract tularemia.

Since contaminated food can sometimes cause tularemia outbreaks, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has assessed the health risks of F. tularensis in foods of plant and animal origin and has concluded that transmission of F. tularensis through food is unlikely based on current knowledge, due to the low number of cases in Germany.

For questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.

Source: BfR Opinion No. 21, www.rki.de