[Tularemia. The disease and its epidemiology in France]

This study had for aim to determine whether the epidemiologic features of animal and human tularemia observed in France could explain its re-emergence since 1993.

A retrospective study was made of outbreaks in animals and human cases and contamination.

Twenty to sixty animal outbreaks were recorded every year but the number of cases was under-estimated. This indicates an increase in animal cases. Human cases or contaminations were associated with areas where animal cases had been recorded, except for a few cases more difficult to explain. Several factors are implicated: the disease is not known, except by hunters. Tularemia is more often described in hares but the disease may be present in other species. The disease and its forms should be documented for clinicians and biologists for an adequate clinical and bacteriological diagnosis.

Several factors in the epidemiology of the animal diseases have changed since 1993. It is necessary to be increasingly vigilant, for animal cases and human contamination. It is necessary to strengthen medical and veterinary supervision especially since Francisella tularensis may be used for bioterrorism.