Farmer "killed by rabbit flu"

29 August 2006

Local publicity was given to a case in E. Anglia where a young farmer became infected, and subsequently died, after becoming infected by the bacterium Pastuerella Multocida (the cause of “rabbit flu”) when he picked up a wild rabbit on his farm.

Human infection with Pastuerella Multocida is relativlely rare, and normally linked with primary infection from a dog or cat. The pastuerella infection can infect many species of animal and birds and can be carried by apparently healthy animals. In rabbits it can be responsible for varying mortality in domesticated rabbits.

Transmission from an infected (or carrier) animal to humans can occur from bite wounds or if any secretion from the infected animal infects an open wound. Once the bacterium gains access to the blood stream it can rapidly spread unless treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

The risk of other cases arising from the handling of infected or carrier wild rabbits is very low and basic hygiene virtually eliminates the risk.

For further information check:-

www.hpa.org.uk, click on “topics A-Z”, scroll down to “pastuerella” and then click on “Q&A’s”.

Other information on this incident was detailed on “AVG Free Edition. Version:7.1.405/Virus database:268;11;3/423-Release date 18/08/06 (Note the infection termed “rabbit flu” is caused by Pastuerella Multocida and not by a virus.)