Tularaemia in Australia

The two cases of the rare infection tularaemia which were recently discovered in Tasmania are only the second and third reports of human disease caused by caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis in the southern hemisphere.

The recent infections were apparently acquired from handling sick possums found by the roadside in a localised area in the western region of Tasmania. Genetic typing of one isolate has identified it as a less virulent subtype than the strain which predominates in human infections in North America. Health authorities have issued warnings to the public about avoidance of potential infections, including precautions regarding private rainwater tank drinking water supplies. A survey of wildlife in the suspect area is being carried out to determine the prevalence of the infection in animals.

You can read more about tularaemia, and about these cases, in issue 64 of WQRA's HealthStream.