[dawn53]

This is somewhat off the subject of the planes, but very much on topic of bio agents.

I watched a program on Discovery Health channel tonight about outbreaks of Tularemia pneumonia on Martha's Vineyard.

Started in the summer of 2000 with 15 cases (average yearly diagnosis is 200 cases) yet they had 15 cases in one summer. They continue to have outbreaks each summer, but not as many as the first year.

They have never been able to identify the exact origin of the disease, wondering if it was ticks, or small animals.

I had not realized what a powerful bio agent it would be until it was discussed on the show tonight.

[BiffWondercat]

Often it is rabbits. As a learning hunter/trapper, my father told me to wear surgical gloves when skinning rabbits and if they had "bumps under the hide" to go ahead and toss them into a hot fire. This was known even before the 30's.

[Dolphy]

I know someone in the midwest that contracted Tularemia a few years ago. All of the circumstances surrounding it have always been suspicious to me. He nearly died and is now permanently disabled. He never came in contact with rabbits. He was a landscaper, but only worked on established lawns. The family never filed a workers' compensation claim (which they certainly should have tried if they believe it was contracted on the job).

[twntaipan]

Probably civet cat. I hear Matha's Vineyard natives have a taste for Cantonese delicacies (NOT).

[Axenolith]

That's also known as "Rabbit Fever" and frequently spread by handling wild rabbits? Possibly the peoples pets are catching them, and then fido or tabby are getting handled shortly after...