Francisella tularensis, the bacterium responsible for tularemia (also known as “rabbit fever”), is a zoonotic pathogen that has garnered increased public health attention in recent years due to rising case numbers. Beyond its role as an emerging natural infection, the organism poses a significant biodefense threat. Specifically, the North American subspecies, F. tularensis subsp. tularensis, is noted for its high virulence and is classified as a potential Category A bioweapon agent. Ecological shifts, including climatic changes, are altering the habitats and behavior of the pathogen’s vectors (such as ticks and biting flies). These changes are believed to be contributing factors to the expansion of new endemic areas and the observed increase in human cases, including in regions like Austria.

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