Tularemie (BO-20-009-037)

Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. A broad range of animal species can be infected, although with variable susceptibility to the disease. Hares and rodents are most susceptible. From 1953 to 2011, no autochthonous infections have been reported in the Netherlands. However, in recent years several cases among both human patients and hares have been detected. Moreover, in the first months of 2015, multiple hares were found positive in the vicinity of Akkrum, Friesland. In this area, an exceptionally high mortality among hares was concurrently reported. This cluster of tularemia cases among hares is regarded as an extraordinary event for the Netherlands. The goal of this project is to gain insight on the spread of tularemia in Friesland and surroundings, possible sources for F. tularensis which could be a threat for public health in the near future. This information is necessary for assessment of the risk of human infections and to determine adequate measures to prevent human infection.