[Small game (foxes, brown hares, pheasants and ducks) as carriers of zoonoses].
Small game involves numerous infection hazards in terms of contact zoonoses and foodborne diseases. Especially exposed are hunters, game dealers, veterinarians, housewives, farmers, forest workers, laboratory staff, and taxidermists, but also consumers of insufficiently cooked game. This paper gives a survey of the most significant zoonoses in small game in Europe, which are discussed in the light of the author's own research results in this field. Finally, measures concerning prophylaxis and food hygiene are suggested.