Overview

• Ministry figures show 15 tularemia-linked hare deaths in 2025 up to August 5, compared with seven in all of 2024.
• Four human infections were recorded in Hesse in 2024 and four more by August 10, 2025, with authorities assessing overall risk to people as low.
• The Hunting Ministry reports concentrations of cases in Main-Kinzig-Kreis and the districts of Gießen, Marburg-Biedenkopf, and Limburg-Weilburg rather than statewide spread.
• Guidance includes disposable gloves, a dust-proof mask, and protective goggles for hunters, while walkers should avoid contact with wild hares, rabbits, and rodents; pets can also be affected.
• There are no targeted measures to curb infection in wild hare populations, many sick animals die after wasting or staggering, and human illness typically begins flu-like and is treatable with antibiotics.