Forget bird flu- now there's bunny flu!!!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

So much for that wascally Easter wabbit...
---

Man 'first rabbit flu victim'

Farmer John Freeman, 29, of Aspall near Stowmarket in Suffolk, became infected with the bacteria Pasteurella multocida after picking up a rabbit on his farm.

His mother Joan said he fell ill and died four days later on 5 August.

"People should just be aware that there is this dreadful thing around and potentially it's lethal," she said.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Freeman had died from septicaemia after becoming infected with the bacteria that causes pasteurellosis, which is known as rabbit flu.

More at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5269766.stm

[hobbit709]

1. It's Wabbititis!

[azurnoir]

2. Was gunna' say

Penicillin works for that, but guess it does either way

[SPKrazy]

3. Not A Virus

but still is a risk

[soothsayer]

4. that wascally wabbit

[acmavm]

5. I bet he saw 'spots before his eyes, and it got dark' and

then...

What's up Doc?

[Hell Hath No Fury]

6. Good heavens...

My sister has rehabed domestic and wild rabbits for 20+ years --including those with pasteurella -- and has never been taken ill from any disease. Common precautions such as washing your hands, keeping your face away from rabbits' faces, and treating any sick bunny with nasal discharge keeps pasteurella at bay.

A quick overview of pasteurella:

http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/san-diego/health/vet-talk/pasteurella.html