Pathological changes of selected organs and the health condition of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pall.) – a case report.

Abstract

This paper describes a case of anatomopathological changes in almost all internal organs in a female brown hare shot in the western part of the Lublin Upland in Poland. The changes were observed in macroscopic examination and confirmed by necropsy. Bacteriological assays showed a high titre of Enterobacter cloacae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the internal organs, and as a quite disturbing finding, S. aureus was detected as resistant to penicillin and susceptible to only one of the eight antibiotics used. Parasitological analysis showed the presence of three parasites in the intestines, one being a protozoan and two nematodes. The obtained data concerning only one case, therefore, do not reflect the health condition of the entire population, but only indicate potential threats to the epizootic condition in the population of this species. Taking into account the elements of the lack of veterinary tests of small game meat before introducing it for human consumption, the data on the described case indicate a potential risk to public health. Therefore, it would seem necessary to carefully assess any anatomopathological changes in hunted hares before making them available for consumption, and in case of any doubts, to subject the meat to such inspection.