Rabbit plague is spreading in NRW: Experts warn of danger!

Rabbit plague is spreading in NRW: Experts warn of danger!

Gelsenkirchen, Deutschland - alarm mood in the Ruhr area! The dreaded rabbit plague, also known as myxomatosis, spreads out rapidly and has already captured Gelsenkirchen, Bochum and Mettmann. Since mid-August, the plague has spread from the border to the Netherlands to the south and east of North Rhine-Westphalia. The concerns are great that adjacent regions such as the Ennepe-Ruhr district and Hagen could also be affected.

The Situation is dramatic: the plague not only affects wild rabbits, but also field hares to a previously unknown extent. The State Hunting Association of North Rhine-Westphalia speaks of "dramatic outbursts" and warns of a fundamental decline in the field bunny population. The autumn hunt in Herten has already been canceled so as not to endanger the stocks. Experts like Dr. Luisa Fischer report on an increase in died rabbits that are submitted for examination. Research on the plague is in full swing!

call to report died animals

The authorities call up the citizens of increasingly paying attention to sick or died field rabbits. "If someone finds a very sick or died brown hare, this should be reported immediately," explains Lanuv spokesman Wilhelm Deitermann. Hunters are ready to help the animals and take further steps. The rabbit plague manifests itself through striking swelling and redness on the eyelids, noses and ears. For humans and other pets such as dogs and cats, the virus is harmless, but there is a risk to humans for people.

The rabbit plague is transmitted through direct contact between animals and through mosquitoes that were particularly well increased this year due to the weather conditions. The plague is not only limited to NRW; There are also reports from Lower Saxony, Bremen and the Augsburg region about the rabbit plague. The situation remains tense and the experts are alerted!