Rabbit plague spreads rapidly in NRW-worries in Bochum and Gelsenkirchen!

Rabbit plague spreads rapidly in NRW-worries in Bochum and Gelsenkirchen!

Bochum, Deutschland - An alarming scenario unfolds in North Rhine-Westphalia! The dreaded myxomatosis, also known as rabbit plague, spreads out rapidly and has already grasped Bochum, Gelsenkirchen and Mettmann. The plague, which started in the Wesel district in August, not only hits wild rabbits, but also brown hares to an unprecedented extent. The State Hunting Association raises the alarm: "Dramatic outbursts" endanger the field bunny population!

The situation is so serious that the planned autumn hunt in Herten was canceled to protect the already heavily decimated stocks. Hunters in the region have sent numerous died rabbits for examination in recent weeks and the diagnoses are created in the chord. Dr. Luisa Fischer from the State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection (LANUV) emphasizes that researching the plague is in full swing.

urgent call to report sick animals

Myxomatosis caused by the Myxoma virus is almost always fatal for the affected animals. Walkers and nature lovers in Bochum and the surrounding area are urgently asked to report sick or died browns. Lanuv spokesman Wilhelm Deitermann calls for hunters to be able to redeem the suffering animals from their misery. The virus is transferred not only through direct contact between animals, but also by mosquitoes that were particularly good this year due to the moist conditions.

The symptoms of the rabbit plague are alarming: swelling and growths on eyelids, noses and lips can be observed frequently. While the virus for humans and pets such as dogs and cats is harmless, it is a serious threat to the wildlife population. The plague is already known beyond the borders of NRW, with reports also from Lower Saxony and Bremen. The location remains tense and requires quick action!