Tularemia in the news - an added value of online media for public awareness of zoonosis in Europe

Abstract Background Factors contributing to tularemia infection, a multisource zoonosis endemic in Europe, vary geographically. Information on these factors from passive surveillance is scarce. We aimed to find more information on the factors from scientific literature and the media and explore the added value of the media as an information source on tularemia. Methods We performed a systematic literature review of articles published 2000-2020 on tularemia occurrence and epidemiology in Europe using EMBASE, SCOPUS and PUBMED (eligibility: epidemiological studies; screening by title and abstract). We searched online news on tularemia in Europe by mining Google news via “PADI-web”, a news monitoring tool for zoonotic diseases. News published 2010-2024 in European languages/countries with previous tularemia outbreaks were collected. Scientific and news articles were used to identify the factors and interactions on the human-animal-environment interface causing infection. We used the news for thematic analysis and to classify the cited sources (official/unofficial). Results Of 1793 scientific and 88 news articles screened, 99 and 47 were analysed, respectively. Key interactions found were human-hare and human-recreational waters. Five categories of infection factors were identified both in scientific and news articles: environmental (forests and water), vector (ticks), socio-economic (hunting), host (hare) and climate. We found horsefly bite, animal trade and pets mentioned in the news but not in scientific articles. Noted themes in the media were general information on tularemia, sources, transmission routes, prevention, epidemiological/epizootic situations and calls for action. The media cited government institutions (85%) and academic experts (10%). Conclusions By disseminating information from official sources, the media may help raise awareness and follow-up on local tularemia epidemiological situation. Media news complement scientific literature on key infection factors. Key messages • The media have a potential for raising awareness by disseminating information on tularemia outbreaks from official sources to the general public in Europe. • Media monitoring tools such as “PADI-web” can add value to tularemia management by monitoring the situation and complementing the information from the scientific literature.