PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA infections are amongst the most common afflicting pet rabbits. Pasteurellosis can cause the following conditions:
- 'snuffles' - sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, chronic sinusitis
- chronic pasteurellosis - peritonitis, metritis, mastitis, otitis media, abscesses
- pneumonia
It is a common infection and many, apparently healthy rabbits will carry the bacteria but display no symptoms of infection. However, a bunny with an impaired immune system can develop a chronic form of infection.
In many cases, the rabbit will continue to carry on with its daily life, eating and drinking normally, but wiping its nose on its paw after sneezing - and this matted fur can be one of the first indications of the disease.
Veterinary attention is required together with a course of antibiotic treatment. Fluoroquinolone antibiotic enrofloxacin (Baytril), by mouth, or injected oxytetracyclines are the drugs of choice although their effectiveness can be limited to controlling rather than completely eliminating the infection.
Secondary infections can prove fatal.
The best prevention is:
 | removal of damp bedding - high levels of ammonia have been linked with a more serious illness |
| avoiding temperature fluctuations |
| ensuring good ventilation but avoiding cold draughts |
| shearing Angora rabbits |
A vaccination for Pasteurella multocida may be available offering protection for 6 months. Pastacidin, however, is no longer produced in the UK although another vaccine is currently being tested and could be launched within a few years.
bravenet.com