Pasteurellosis of rabbits: symptoms and diagnosis, methods of treatment and prevention

The course of pasteurellosis in rabbits is usually acute. In the case of infection of one animal, the infection quickly spreads throughout the entire population. Pasteurellosis mainly develops as a result of non-compliance with the rules of care and is detected in rabbits of any age. The danger of this pathology lies in the fact that, in addition to its rapid development, the disease provokes severe complications, including death.

What is this disease and its causative agent

Pasteurellosis is an infectious pathology that develops as a result of infection with bacterial microflora.The disease is typical for domestic rabbits and wild hares. Pathology occurs when animals are infected with the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, which has a complex structure and often mutates. The latter determines the complexity of the treatment of the disease.

In case of infection in domestic animals, the nasal cavities, throat and trachea are affected. The disease develops against the background of a weakened immune system in rabbits caused by non-compliance with the conditions of detention (hypothermia, improper feeding, and so on). Pathology is dangerous because it causes death in 75% of cases.

Sources and routes of infection

Infection of the body with these bacteria occurs in the following ways:

airborne;
by direct contact;
through dishes and other items;
at the time of birth.

Infection with bacterial microflora does not always lead to the development of pasteurellosis. The infection, penetrating into the body, “settles” in the upper respiratory tract. The animal's immune system inhibits the development of a bacterial colony.

The first symptoms of pasteurellosis appear after the weakening of the body's defenses, which occurs for the following reasons:

the course of pregnancy;
birth;
lactation;
microelement deficiency in the body;
excessive weight;
stress.

Rabbits with a genetic predisposition to this disease are at risk for developing pasteurellosis.

Symptoms of pasteurellosis in rabbits

After infection, pasteurellosis develops asymptomatically for several days. At the same time, the infected animal remains dangerous for the population. The first symptoms of infection appear after the development of the disease reaches the acute stage.

Sharp shape

The following symptoms are typical for the acute form:

general weakness, lethargy;
body temperature rises to 39 degrees and above;
lack of appetite;
depression.

The acute form is characterized by rapid development. After a rise in temperature for several hours, the animal develops shortness of breath, runny nose and diarrhea. In females during this period, serous, mucous and other abnormal discharges from the genitals are noted. The acute form of pasteurellosis develops within five days, after which the animal usually dies.

Chronic

Chronic form of pasteurellosis develops in animals that have survived the acute period of the disease. In this case, infected rabbits show the following symptoms:

runny nose;
shortness of breath;
drastic weight loss;
eye suppuration;
fading wool;
lack of activity.

At a specialized examination, pericarditis and bronchopneumonia are also detected. At the same time, an inflammatory process develops in the middle ear, which manifests itself in the form of serous discharge from the shell. Also, the chronic form is characterized by abscesses localized near the larynx and self-opening within a few days. Females with pasteurellosis have reduced fertility.

How the disease is diagnosed

The primary diagnosis is made on the basis of an assessment of the animal's condition and symptoms. For confirmation, the veterinarian takes a swab from the mucous membrane or conducts a blood test.

How to treat an ailment in rabbits

Due to the fact that pasteurellosis is characterized by intensive development and often provokes the death of an animal, it is recommended to treat the pathology with specialized drugs.

Folk methods for such a disease are used as an addition to the prescribed therapy.

Folk remedies

If signs of infection with pasteurellosis are detected, it is necessary to water the rabbits more often. You also need to regularly treat the sinuses using a saline solution in order to facilitate breathing and discharge of serous and other secretions. In case of lung damage, inhalations with essential oils are used.

Medicated

Drug therapy for pasteurellosis involves intravenous administration of antibacterial drugs: "Biomycin", "Tetracycline" or "Terramycin". Simultaneously with this animal, droppers with Hartmann's or Ringer's solutions are placed.

In order to accelerate the recovery of infected rabbits, vitamin B12 is injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly. This medicine is mainly recommended for infected young animals. As part of the prescribed therapy, vaccination against hemorrhagic septicemia is carried out.

Prophylactic treatment of conjunctivitis is also recommended, which is carried out with the help of Ciprovet or Levomycetin eye drops.

During the course of the disease, regular disinfection is necessary, both of the farm (place of residence of infected rabbits) and dishes with clothing. A similar procedure is recommended after the end of the epidemic.

The described scheme of therapy is not effective. However, there is no other treatment for pasteurellosis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress the activity of bacterial microflora, but do not destroy all pathogens. These drugs prevent the development of complications of pasteurellosis.

Can I eat the meat of sick animals

A person can also become infected with pasteurellosis. Therefore, it is forbidden to eat the meat of rabbits that died from this disease. In such cases, it is recommended to burn the insides of an infected animal to prevent the spread of infection.If the rabbit is cured of pasteurellosis, then the meat must be boiled for 1.5 hours before eating.

Disease prevention

In order to prevent infection with pasteurellosis, vaccination of rabbits is recommended. To do this, during the first week after birth, the animal is injected with a specialized preparation of 0.5 milliliters on each side of the neck. For rabbits weighing less than a kilogram, the dosage is adjusted according to body weight. In case the population is endangered, the vaccine should be re-introduced 2-3 weeks after the first one.

In addition to this procedure, to prevent infection with pasteurellosis, it is necessary to provide suitable living conditions for rabbits (avoid temperature changes and maintain humidity levels). Regular disinfection of rooms and cages where animals are kept is also recommended.