Liver dystrophy in hares. Pathology and epidemiologic studies of the death of hares in central Hesse

In the area of Central Hesse we observed an unusual frequency of deaths of hares. The characteristic pathological alterations included general icterus, acute liver dystrophy, chromoproteinemic nephrosis, hyperemia in the tracheal mucosa and in the lungs, and splenic vascular congestion and necroses. Affected animals showed an altered behaviour with a diminished escape range and escape distance. Some animals had lost orientation completely. On the basis of sender questioning it appears probable that rape cultivation, as intensified in 1986--particularly newly generated 00-sorts--can be held responsible.