Tularemia from a One Health Perspective

Tularemia is a rare zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis and is also regarded as a potential biological agent. Therefore, it is prudent to monitor outbreaks of tularemia closely. Purpose of review The aim of this review is to provide essential information about diagnostic tools and to focus on the epidemiological situation, especially in Europe. Recent findings Outbreak investigations based on whole-genome sequencing data have strengths and limitations, because the genome of F. tularensis is highly conserved. Almost identical isolates can be found over large distances and long periods of time, which makes it necessary to perform phylogeographic analyses always in close conjunction with epidemiological and environmental investigations. Summary Many reservoir animals and arthropod vectors exist in varying habitats in different geographic regions, but changes of the climate and agricultural techniques will influence the environment and maybe also the relevance of hitherto observed transmission modes.