Posted on 09/05/2005 2:03:35 PM PDT by genefromjersey
Tularemia Outbreak in Russia – Might Have Been Natural
A recent outbreak –over 400 cases of Tularemia – occurred in Russia during July and August.
The sheer number of cases – as compared to prior years – seemed alarming ; as did the proximity of the cases to Russian biowarfare research facilities. (There were even cases in Sverdlosk – site of an Anthrax accident many years ago. )
It is well to be suspicious of coincidence ; but equally important to make sure all facts are in hand before drawing conclusions.
In researching Tularemia “episodes” a few days ago, I came upon an outbreak in Sweden in 2003 that involved well over 500 cases, and that took place in areas where Tularemia was not endemic. ( It was, in fact, quite rare in the affected area.)
No absolute conclusions were reached about the Swedish outbreak,but certain facts did emerge: a higher than normal rabbit population ,exposure of victims to rabbits, and higher-than-normal populations of mosquitos and biting insects in the affected areas.
I am advised some of these factors – especially high mosquito numbers-are present in the present Russian outbreak ,and that Russian authorities are reasonably certain nothing untoward has occurred.
That comes as a tremendous relief , because the whole world worries about the possibility of terrorists of any stripe getting their hands on such insidious and deadly materials.
Meanwhile, I return to my watch : an old herd bull, who keeps an eye open for tell-tale movement in the tall grasses of our world ; and who hopes others will take up or continue their own vigils .
It is better to snort at the approach of a badger , than to ignore the approach of a hungry wolf – no matter how much a fool you may be thought to be.
Gotta be careful eating rabbits. I used to snare hares in northern B.C., and discovered that almost half of them had the mottled liver associated with tularemia.
Kinda turns you off hassenpfeffer.
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