Luxembourg residents are being warned not to touch dead hares without protective gear after veterinary officials confirmed a case of tularaemia – a disease that can spread to both animals and humans.

The Luxembourg Hunters Federation has reported a case of tularaemia (rabbit fever) in the Junglinster area, a finding subsequently confirmed by the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA).

The bacterial disease was identified in a dead hare exhibiting typical symptoms, with test results received on Friday. A second suspected case remains under investigation, with ALVA expecting confirmation by Monday.

In a Facebook post, the Hunters Federation urged residents to report sightings of dead hares while emphasising strict safety measures. The public should avoid direct contact with carcasses and use both gloves and protective masks. Any remains should be placed in sealed plastic bags for transport to Dudelange's laboratory.

The Federation additionally advised dog owners to conduct thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, as ticks and mosquitoes can transmit the pathogen.

ALVA's official guidance

ALVA reinforced these warnings, stressing that tularaemia poses risks to both humans and animals. For this reason, ALVA calls on the population not to touch dead hares. Instead, residents should report carcass sightings by writing an email to info@alva.etat.lu. Dog owners should keep their animals leashed and prevent pets from investigating dead wildlife.