Tularaemia in Norwegian dogs.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Tularaemia is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis.
• This report details a case of tularaemia in a Norwegian dog, a first for European canines.
• The infection was identified as Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica.

Observation:

• A Hamilton Hound exhibited lethargy, anorexia, and fever post-hunting an infected mountain hare.
• Antibody titers in the dog showed a 32-fold increase, indicating infection.
• A separate study investigated tularaemia in dogs exposed to lemmings in Finnmark, Norway.

Findings:

• Antibody testing revealed 10/11 sick dogs and 3/12 healthy dogs exposed to lemmings had antibodies to F. tularensis.
• Control dogs without lemming exposure showed no antibodies.
• These findings strongly link non-specific canine illness in Finnmark to F. tularensis infection from lemmings.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for tularaemia in domestic dogs in Europe.
• Understanding transmission routes, such as hunting and lemming contact, is crucial for canine health.
• Further research into F. tularensis subspecies holarctica in animal populations is warranted.