Glis glis – two cases of acute tularemia

Two edible dormice ( Glis glis) were found dead in a courtyard. At necropsy they showed marked enlargement of spleen, hyperemia of liver as well as edema and hemorrhages in the lungs. Histologically, multifocal necroses were found in liver and spleen of both animals and in the lungs of one animal. Similar findings can be seen in rodents or lagomorphs with acute tularemia. Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the Gram negative coccobacillus Francisella (F.) tularensis which may be transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols, ingestion of contaminated food and water, contamination of mucous membranes and skin leasons or arthropod bites. F. tularensis ssp. holarctica, assigned to clade B.6 like other German Francisella isolates, was detected as causative agent in the present cases. Edible dormice typically inhabit deciduous and mixed woodland, but can also be found in man-made habitats such as gardens, parks and orchards. The species often enters buildings, thus getting in close contact to humans. Therefore and due to their susceptibility of infection edible dormice should be kept in mind as possible source of human tularemia in Germany and other European countries.